Elias strolled over, giving Naylor a quick once-over, a flicker of amusement curling at the corners of his mouth. “Since when do you enjoy arguing with women?” he teased.

Naylor bristled, clearly annoyed. “Arguing? Is that what you call it? You saw it yourself—she’s impossible! She messes up and then acts like it’s everyone else’s

fault.”

Elias arched an elegant brow. “You two seem pretty close?”

Naylor fell silent, caught off guard by the question.

He paused, considering it.

Maybe… not really.

Still, he scowled. “That’s not the point. What matters is, I caught her trying to play the other woman. She looks like a decent person-so why does she have such questionable morals?”

Elias stopped, his tone light, almost playful. “Whether it’s true or not, that’s still someone else’s business. What’s it got to do with you? Why are you so worked up?”

Naylor’s words died in his throat.

He hadn’t even thought of that. His brow furrowed as the realization sank in.

Elias clapped him on the shoulder. “Come on, we should get inside. Uncle Warwick’s probably about to arrive.”

Only then did Naylor’s scowl deepen.

His own father would be at the party tonight.

Thank God it was Elias who’d seen him bickering with a woman-if his dad had caught him, who knows what lecture he’d get.

When Elodie arrived at Warwick Mansion, dusk was settling in and the garden lights were flickering on, one by one.

She’d barely stepped inside when Alexander emerged from the crowd, weaving his way over to her. “The general’s just arrived,” he told her quietly.

Elodie glanced in that direction.

Though the man had entered discreetly, the other guests greeted him with obvious enthusiasm, eager to make his acquaintance.

She knew who he was-the same leader who had once publicly commended her U.N2 project.

A remarkable figure, no doubt.

Alexander took her by the arm. “Come on, let’s go introduce you.”

Klein had just finished wishing Raleigh Warwick a happy birthday when he caught sight of Alexander approaching.

A glimmer of a smile softened Klein’s sharp gaze. “Alexander, your father isn’t here tonight?”

Alexander smiled. “You know how it is if something urgent comes up at the lab, he can’t get away. He sent me in his place to wish Raleigh a happy birthday.”

Raleigh’s booming laugh echoed in the foyer. “No matter, no matter. It’s good to have the younger generation here-it livens things up.”

Elodie stood quietly by Alexander’s side.

Then, suddenly-

Klein’s eyes landed on her, and he looked genuinely surprised. “And who’s this young lady?”

Alexander’s smile brightened, and he spoke with genuine pride. “This is Elodie. She’s one of our top talents at VistaLink Technologies-honestly, she puts me to shame.”

His words caught the attention of the nearby group.

Maurice looked over, eyebrows raised. “Is Mr. Sterling really introducing Elodie to the general?”

And with such high praise, no less.

Sylvie’s brow furrowed. She realized she’d underestimated just how much Alexander valued Elodie.

He knew Elodie didn’t really belong to their circle, but he was still willing to pave

the way for her—give her a bit of polish, a little extra shine.

She glanced at Jarrod beside her.

He was watching Elodie, lost in thought, an unreadable look flickering in his eyes.

She couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

Softly, she called, “Jarrod?”

He blinked, turning to her. “Hm? What is it?”

Seeing no hint of emotion or distraction in his face, Sylvie smiled faintly. “Nothing, really.”

Meanwhile, Klein was still a little surprised.

He knew just how capable Alexander was a rising star among his peers.

Anyone who could earn his admiration must be truly exceptional…

He fixed Elodie with a calm, searching gaze. “Ms. Thorne, how do you and Alexander know each other?”

Elodie thought for a moment. “We’re friends? Coworkers?”

Klein couldn’t help but chuckle. He liked her unassuming nature-polite, but not at

all intimidated. “You two must get along well. What’s your role at VistaLink Technologies, Ms. Thorne?”

Elodie answered honestly, “I’m an engineer. I specialize in drone development.”