Noticing Elodie’s tactful retreat, Naylor raised an eyebrow.

At least Elodie was smart enough to know when to quit-she saw Sylvie approaching and didn’t try to force her way into a circle where she didn’t belong.

Of course, Elodie had no idea what others were thinking.

Across the room, Alexander was surrounded by people, most of them eager to discuss potential collaborations. Elodie had wandered over to this quieter corner to catch her breath.

Her stomach rumbled in protest.

She picked up a small plate of dessert and took a bite.

Feeling thirsty, she glanced at the array of drinks nearby. Not sure which ones were low in alcohol, she reached for a glass that looked mostly like juice.

A slender, well-defined hand pressed lightly over the rim.

Elodie looked up.

Jarrod’s dark, deep-set eyes met hers.

Almost instinctively, her expression cooled.

Jarrod didn’t seem to notice or care. He simply removed the glass from her grasp and said in his usual detached tone, “Didn’t you mention you’re sensitive to alcohol?”

Elodie frowned slightly.

For a moment, she didn’t know what to say.

He wasn’t wrong-her intolerance wasn’t severe, but it existed.

She was a little surprised he remembered, but then again, after three years of marriage, even someone as emotionally distant as Jarrod would have picked up on certain details.

She let go of the glass.

Apparently, Jarrod had come over for a drink himself. He glanced at Elodie, saw she had no intention of striking up a conversation, and instead handed her a juice from the other side of the table. “Try this one.”

With that, Jarrod picked up his own drink and walked away, as if he’d only intervened out of casual courtesy.

Elodie eyed the glass of juice, but felt no particular emotion.

Meanwhile―

Mr. Charlie Sterling strode purposefully into the room.

His arrival marked the real highlight of the evening.

Alexander immediately broke away from the crowd and came over to Elodie. “Come on,” he said, “let’s go chat with the old man about your latest reading binge.”

As far as he was concerned, Elodie just needed to review the relevant material and she’d be fine.

Years ago, Charlie Sterling had stopped accepting graduate students after Elodie turned down her spot in his program. For three years, he’d taken on no one. Now, with Elodie ready to try again, Sterling had suddenly opened a single spot- clearly reserved for her.

As soon as Alexander finished speaking, Elodie said calmly, “Jarrod and the others are already over there.”

Alexander turned his head.

Sure enough, Jarrod was standing before Charlie Sterling, with Sylvie at his side. With Jarrod leading the way, the others held back, giving them the space to make their introductions.

Jarrod was polite and composed, his manner cool but approachable enough to act as a bridge for the woman beside him. He exchanged pleasantries with Charlie Sterling on Sylvie’s behalf.

Alexander gave a wry smile. “Jarrod donated twenty million to the Aerospace Institute just so Sylvie could meet Sterling. Now he’s personally escorting her over. He’s really pulling out all the stops.”

He tugged Elodie along. “Let them have their conversation. We’ll join the crowd and see what’s happening.”

Elodie followed him.

But as they drew near, she heard Sylvie say to Charlie, “Professor Sterling, I heard from Jarrod that you’re accepting a graduate student this year. I finished my master’s at Verdania, but there’s always more to learn. I’d like to apply for that spot and continue my studies under your guidance.”

Elodie’s expression turned cold.

Jarrod had gotten wind of the opportunity and was now helping Sylvie vie for it.

The application process was by invitation-no standardized exams, just a direct interview.

But this year, Professor Sterling had only made one place available.

Elodie shot a startled look at Sylvie, then at Jarrod, who stood by her side, steady and composed.

He paid no attention to anyone else, addressing only Charlie. “Professor, Sylvie is exceptionally talented. I hope you’ll give her due consideration.”