The faint, aggressive scent of cedar clung to the man.

Elodie instinctively frowned, glancing down at Jarrod’s hand wrapped around her wrist.

She was just about to insist she could take care of it herself.

But Jarrod, sensing her reaction, brushed it off with a cool, “Keep your eyes on the ball, not on me.”

Elodie simply lowered her gaze, letting Jarrod guide her hand. With a swift, steady swing, he sent the ball sailing-

-straight into the hole with impressive precision.

Elodie quickly pulled away from his reach, her expression frosty as she turned on her heel and walked back.

Jarrod watched her retreat, picking up immediately on her aloofness.

Maurice, meanwhile, was the first to notice Jarrod helping Elodie with her swing. He clicked his tongue in surprise and shot Sylvie a look.

Sylvie, composed as ever, examined the ball’s position before commenting without a flicker of emotion, “Well, Jarrod, you lost. Maurice and I scored more.” Jarrod slipped his hand casually into his pocket, unruffled. “Fine. I concede.” Maurice gave him a sly, knowing smile. “You only lost because you were held back….. And honestly, you could beat both of us with your eyes closed. You obviously let Sylvie win just to keep her happy.”

Sylvie arched an eyebrow and gave Jarrod a silent, amused smile.

Maurice then turned to Elodie and sighed, “Looks like you’re just no match for Sylvie.”

His tone carried a double meaning.

On the surface, it sounded like he was talking about golf. But the implication ran much deeper.

Mr. Patrick, oblivious to the undercurrents, waved a hand dismissively. “It’s just a friendly game. No need to take it so seriously. None of us are pros anyway. The point is to have fun.”

Maurice chuckled and nodded in agreement. “You’re right.”

Elodie had no interest in sparring with Maurice over his veiled jab.

She knew all too well that if she took offense, they’d just accuse her of being a sore loser.

Luckily, she didn’t care in the slightest.

Just then, her phone buzzed. Alexander’s message flashed on the screen: *Almost there*. She relaxed a little, lifting her glass for a sip of water.

“Ms. Fielding, you play golf so well-did you take lessons?” Mr. Patrick asked from across the green, genuine curiosity in his voice.

Sylvie offered a pleasant smile, glancing at Jarrod. “Not really. Jarrod taught me.”

Elodie’s hand paused mid-sip.

She couldn’t help but recall the way Jarrod had just now half-embraced her, guiding her swing.

A frown creased her brow. The memory left her vaguely unsettled.

At that moment, Alexander arrived.

He came straight to Elodie’s side and murmured quietly, “Not looking good. This is a setup.”

Elodie had already figured as much.

Mr. Patrick had arranged this meeting at a golf club and, conveniently, Jarrod and the others were here too.

What else could it mean?

“Sorry to keep everyone waiting-traffic was a nightmare,” Alexander said, his face all easy smiles as he greeted the group, betraying nothing.

Mr. Patrick waved it off. “No worries, we just happened to run into Mr. Silverstein and his team. Figured we’d chat a bit.”

Jarrod looked over at Alexander. “So, Mr. Sterling, how’s the fundraising going these days?”

Sylvie’s gaze joined his.

She didn’t believe for a second that VistaLink Technologies could raise half a billion dollars so quickly.

The truth was obvious.

This whole gathering was meant to give Alexander an opening. After a little back- and-forth, he’d be nudged into asking for investment.

Alexander glanced at Elodie, then replied with measured calm, “Thank you for your concern, Mr. Silverstein. Things are progressing-we’re seeing steady momentum so far.”

No one really believed it, of course.

Half a billion dollars, delivered on demand? Not likely.

Mr. Patrick chuckled and chimed in, “Business isn’t my forte, but perhaps Mr. Sterling, you and Mr. Silverstein could discuss whether VistaLink Technologies might work with The Silverstein Group on manufacturing. Even if a joint R&D team isn’t feasible, a project of this size really calls for a top-tier manufacturer.”

Elodie understood what Mr. Patrick was really saying.

Since they had refused to let Sylvie join the project, he was now settling for the next best thing-offering The Silverstein Group the role of manufacturer.