He paused for a moment.

Then, with a complicated look, he guessed, “Who knows, maybe one day Nexus Analytics will throw its full support behind Neural Intelligence. If that happens, and Ms. Fielding becomes the boss’s wife, maybe she’ll end up running Nexus Analytics too.”

Of course, that was just his speculation.

Alexander looked up, a smirk tugging at his lips but never reaching his eyes. “Now that would be a textbook case of thinking with your hormones instead of your head.”

Jason heard this and just smiled, wisely keeping his mouth shut.

By the time they finished up at Nexus Analytics, the rain outside had picked up. Luckily, getting into the car straight from the underground garage meant they didn’t get wet.

Back at VistaLink Technologies, Alexander rubbed his neck, then grinned with mock sympathy. “See what I mean? These days, nobody believes the truth anymore. Being asked to advise on a dissertation isn’t something everyone gets to do, but apparently that’s not appreciated.”

And on top of that, Elodie was still planning to prepare a third major paper for a top-tier journal.

Just imagine how embarrassing that would be for the others.

Elodie, however, didn’t seem bothered by any of this.

Instead, she brought up Jarrod’s proposal from earlier in the day.

Alexander’s expression grew serious. “Personal grudges aside, he actually has a point. This time, the defense contract is open nationwide. Even if VistaLink Technologies stands out, it’s not going to be an easy win.”

Elodie nodded. “Every company has its own strengths. We have to approach this carefully.”

Especially since the military isn’t just looking at individual talent-they care about the whole team.

Alexander thought it over, his brow furrowed. “If we look at the bigger picture, a joint bid really is the best solution. It’s a win-win, better than both sides losing out. After that, let the best team come out on top.”

If they just handed the opportunity over, the potential losses would be enormous. Missing out because of personal conflicts would be downright irrational.

Elodie agreed. “If we’re going to do a joint bid, the contract needs to spell out every detail. Neural Intelligence has only just launched-even with solid hardware, they’re still the new kids on the block. VistaLink Technologies has to take the lead.”

Alexander saw that Elodie was treating this purely as business and nodded. “Of course. As long as you’re on board, start the conversation with them.”

Just as Elodie had said they needed to secure control.

They didn’t have time to look for another reliable partner, and neither did Neural Intelligence. Jarrod was proposing this because he valued VistaLink Technologies’ technical strength and stability.

To be blunt, Neural Intelligence needed this opportunity even more than VistaLink Technologies did.

So taking the lead wouldn’t be an issue-Jarrod was unlikely to object.

Elodie checked her watch and gathered her laptop. “I’ll handle the proposal. You coordinate with Neural Intelligence.”

As for how things would be divided later, VistaLink Technologies would, of course, claim the lion’s share.

Just as she stood up, Alexander’s phone buzzed.

He glanced at the screen, then raised his eyebrows. “Remember Watts?”

Elodie stopped, turning back to him.

She’d only met the guy briefly that day, but he’d left an impression.

Alexander waved his phone. “He just messaged me, invited us to the Eighth Annual Tech Symposium on the 18th. Says I can bring one or two people. Interested?”

Elodie looked puzzled. “Since when are you two so chummy?”

And wasn’t the Tech Symposium usually by official invitation only?