After all, that was half a billion dollars.

This project was clearly a money pit-demanding both cash and effort. Even though VistaLink Technologies was a leader in the field, pulling together that kind of funding wouldn’t be easy.

Right now, not many organizations in Eldermere were willing to bankroll ambitious aerospace ventures.

Nexus Analytics, under Jarrod’s umbrella, was one of the few.

Naylor was another.

Outside of their inner circle, how many investors would it take to scrape together five hundred million?

“Jarrod, what do you think?” Sylvie turned her head, watching him closely.

Jarrod lowered his gaze, idly spinning a metal lighter between his fingers. After a moment of consideration, the corners of his mouth curled. “Maybe.”

Naylor glanced at Sylvie as well.

He agreed with her. In the end, Alexander would have to weigh his options and choose what mattered most.

He might even be the one to invite Sylvie onto the research team himself, as a temporary partner.

Back at VistaLink Technologies-

Alexander tossed the file he was holding onto the desk with a scoff. “It’s not that they don’t believe in VistaLink Technologies’ project. The truth is, they all look down on you. They’re just waiting for me to kick you off the team, so Sylvie can swoop in and take your place.”

Jarrod probably didn’t want Elodie on the team at all.

It was obvious Sylvie wanted to partner up on the technical development, and Jarrod wasn’t about to let Elodie outshine her.

Elodie gathered up the documents. “Do you think it’s possible for us to fund the project ourselves?”

Alexander paused, then shook his head. “Five hundred million? VistaLink Technologies doesn’t have that much cash on hand.”

“What if I do?” Elodie looked up, calm and steady.

Alexander arched an eyebrow. “You? Five hundred million?”

Elodie nodded. “Jarrod and I signed the divorce papers. He gave me the house-

at the very least, it’s worth five hundred million. I’d already planned to sell it, and now seems like the perfect time.”

As for the ten million in divorce compensation Jarrod promised, he insisted on paying it out over three years. She hadn’t seen a dime of it yet.

She used to be deeply attached to that house; after all, it was a home she’d poured her heart into for three years with Jarrod.

Now, neither Jarrod nor the house mattered anymore. They were just things she was ready to let go of.

“That’s fantastic!” Alexander clapped his hands, excitement lighting up his face. “If we fund it ourselves, we have full control over all the decisions-nothing could be better.”

He never would have guessed Elodie had this up her sleeve.

For an investment of this size one that wouldn’t show returns anytime soon- most people would play it safe and wait. Even with government backing, VistaLink Technologies would need time to secure outside funding.

But if Elodie could put up the money herself, that just left them with the technical and production challenges.

Wasting no time, Elodie set her plan in motion. She contacted the real estate office to put the house on the market.

She’d already weighed the pros and cons. Using her own money meant less publicity from outside investors, but since this was a government-backed project, there would be plenty of opportunities for promotion and market expansion down the line.

All those people trying to get in her way?

They didn’t matter anymore.

Elodie made arrangements with Cara, then listed the house at the lowest acceptable price-anything to sell it quickly. She had no patience for haggling that would drag out the process.

The next day, Elodie and Alexander paid a visit to Mr. Patrick in the government offices to discuss the next steps for the project.

But Mr. Patrick said, “Yesterday, Mr. Silverstein brought Ms. Fielding by. Mr. Silverstein recommended Ms. Fielding for your project team. What are your thoughts?”

Elodie’s eyes darkened, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face.

Jarrod knew perfectly well she was at VistaLink Technologies, yet he still pushed Sylvie into the picture. How were the two of them supposed to work together, day in and day out?

Besides, Alexander had already politely turned them down.

But with Jarrod’s status, he could still easily arrange a meeting with Mr. Patrick whenever he pleased.

Elodie didn’t hesitate. Her tone was cool and composed. “I’m sorry, but VistaLink Technologies already has our technical team in place. We’re not looking to add anyone else at this time.”

As soon as she finished speaking, footsteps paused just outside the door.