Chapter 190
She could tell at once-this woman had to be a member of the Global Horizons University Board.
Jarrod, ever composed, took the lead with introductions. “This is Ms. Thorne,” he said, his tone smooth and unhurried. “She works closely with Mr. Sterling at VistaLink Technologies.”
Felicity’s eyes lit up with sudden understanding.
Elodie set down her laptop and offered a polite nod. “Hello, I’m Elodie.”
Felicity found herself instantly drawn to the girl’s calm, self-possessed presence-
a quiet confidence that left a strong first impression.
Just then, Sylvie finished her conversation with Octavia and walked over.
Having missed Felicity’s words, she slipped her arm through Jarrod’s with effortless grace and greeted Felicity with poise. “President Warwick, it’s a pleasure. I’m Sylvie.”
She managed her entrance without so much as glancing at Elodie.
Elodie, for her part, turned her gaze away, her eyes frosted with indifference.
Ever since the incident at the hospital, she’d lost any interest in putting on a friendly façade.
Felicity, oblivious to the tension between Elodie and Sylvie, focused instead on the closeness between Jarrod and Sylvie. The dynamic was obvious, and Felicity decided to let the earlier awkwardness slide. “Ms. Fielding, I’ve heard great things about you. My son Naylor mentioned you said you’re already making waves in aerospace. Impressive.”
Sylvie answered with modesty, though the compliment took her aback. She hadn’t expected Naylor to mention her to his mother.
She smiled, her tone light. “You’re too kind, Mrs. Whitaker.”
Felicity had other matters to attend to. “Please, everyone-take your seats. We’ll be starting soon. Let’s catch up after.”
Just then, Alexander returned.
The room was filling up, and Elodie recognized more and more familiar faces from the industry.
Grady and Naylor arrived together and took their seats, followed by several other prominent CEOS.
Elodie didn’t pay much attention to the crowd. She focused on reviewing her slides, making sure the details of the project proposal were in order.
Still, it was clear that aside from Jarrod, the evening’s most influential guests were Alexander and Naylor. Their seats were clustered together, and as they waited for the event to begin, casual conversation naturally sparked.
Jarrod, well aware of the recent buzz around VistaLink Technologies’ upcoming project, turned to Alexander. “Mr. Sterling, will you be discussing your new initiative tonight? I’ve heard from Mr. Patrick in the government that the core focus is a breakthrough in engine technology-is that right?”
Beside him, Sylvie offered a faint smile. “We all know our domestic aerospace tech still has some catching up to do, especially in engine development. Mr. Sterling, is this really a breakthrough?”
She had studied overseas and knew the technological gap well.
If VistaLink Technologies truly had something revolutionary, she couldn’t help but suspect that Dr. Charlie was involved behind the scenes. It seemed impossible for any other team of engineers to achieve such a leap on their own. If VistaLink truly had such a genius on staff, how could they have stayed so under the radar? “Mr. Sterling, care to give us a sneak peek?” Grady chimed in, clearly intrigued. Naylor joined in with a grin. “You know, Mr. Sterling, TerraCore Technologies has some real strengths in advanced materials. VistaLink might need investment, but manufacturing support is just as crucial. Maybe we should talk more in depth?” Alexander remained unreadable. “We can certainly discuss.”
Elodie caught his meaning; he wasn’t ready to reveal too much just yet.
She glanced at the time and leaned over to quietly remind him, “Your stage slot isn’t for another hour. Have you decided on a preferred investor?”
The projected funding for the new project was in the neighborhood of fifty million -a considerable sum that called for caution.
Her voice stayed low, just for Alexander. To others, it simply looked like she was interrupting their technical discussion at the wrong moment.
Sylvie frowned ever so slightly, hiding her irritation.
She set her handbag on the table with a measured thud.
Grady’s own annoyance flickered across his face, though he quickly covered it with a smile. “Ms. Thorne, perhaps leave the technical talk to us for now? Unless, of course, you’re speaking for Mr. Sterling?”
Just an assistant, and she didn’t even know when to stay quiet.
How on earth had Alexander become so taken with her?