But businessmen always have to weigh their own interests.

If there’s something worth fighting for, you fight for it.

“Mr. Sterling said they already have a more suitable candidate,” Elodie said coolly. “Thank you for considering us.”

Just yesterday, Alexander had mentioned TerraCore Technologies had expressed interest. But honestly, they weren’t about to partner with a company whose leadership clearly had bias against them.

A polite refusal was the best approach.

Naylor clearly hadn’t expected Elodie to speak up.

He suddenly chuckled, glancing at Esmeralda with a mock playfulness. “Ms. Mercer, I didn’t realize your friend Ms. Thorne had such influence-she can speak on behalf of all of VistaLink Technologies now?”

Grady turned to Elodie as well, seizing the chance to pile on. “Ms. Thorne, would you mind getting us some water?”

Serving guests-pouring drinks, playing hostess-that’s what they thought Elodie should be doing. Not throwing her weight around just because she was close to Esmeralda and Alexander.

Elodie looked over, prepared to respond.

But before she could speak, Esmeralda’s expression darkened. “What, your company can’t pay its water bill?”

“As for Elodie’s authority here,” Esmeralda fixed Grady and Naylor with a level stare, her voice light but cold, “She’s the project lead. Of course she has a say.” Naylor frowned. He could tell Esmeralda was blunt, didn’t bother with pretense.

Everyone knew Elodie had been named a key project lead for VistaLink Technologies. Of course, it was a position given to her, not earned in their eyes- but was there really any need to make a scene about it?

Grady stood up, just about to say something, when Alexander walked back in.

He was carrying two cups of coffee. Spotting the two men, he raised an eyebrow in greeting, then handed the first cup to Elodie. “Half sugar, no ice. Figured something warm would be better for you.”

Elodie accepted it, finally letting a faint, genuine smile emerge.

The two of them exchanged a glance-a quiet, unspoken understanding.

Naylor was even more taken aback. Alexander was treating Elodie… remarkably well. Even with his busy schedule, he’d gone out of his way to get her coffee. He remembered her preferences, even paid attention to her health.

Alexander was always diplomatic, always played the part. He knew why Grady and Naylor were here, but he put on a show of courtesy. “I’m truly sorry. VistaLink Technologies just finalized a materials deal with another firm in renewable energy. Looks like we’ll have to pass this time. Maybe next opportunity.”

Naylor frowned, exchanging a glance with Grady.

The message was clear: VistaLink Technologies wasn’t interested.

Naylor got to his feet, but as he was leaving, he paused and looked at Alexander. “Mr. Sterling, just one thing I don’t quite understand-VistaLink Technologies isn’t rejecting TerraCore Technologies because of any personal grudges, is it?”

After what happened with Sylvie yesterday, he’d finally realized what was really going on.

He glanced at Elodie, who met his gaze, her eyes cold and unflinching.

Alexander arched an eyebrow. “Of course not, Mr. Whitaker. Don’t misunderstand.”

Seeing there was nothing more to say, Naylor didn’t bother to argue. As he

passed Elodie, he shot her a look of disdain.

Pretty face, but a nasty piece of work. Let’s see how long Alexander keeps her on that pedestal.

He and Grady left the office together.

Downstairs, Naylor was still stewing. He loosened his tie and, on impulse, texted Elias: “Hey, you busy tonight? I could use a drink. Had a rough day.”

Elias replied, “What happened?”

Naylor thought of Elodie, lit a cigarette, and typed, “Remember that woman you met at the charity gala? She showed up at VistaLink Technologies today, spoke for Mr. Sterling and turned down TerraCore Technologies herself. And he actually listened to her. Elodie-she’s something else. Knows exactly how to wrap men around her finger.”

Getting cozy with Alexander, flirting with Jarrod too-no boundaries whatsoever.

Still annoyed, he added, “If you ever run into her, steer clear. Who knows, she might try to reel you into her little pond as well.”