To Sylvie, the scene unfolding before her was almost unbelievable.

Klein didn’t hesitate for even a second-his intention was clear as he strode purposefully toward Elodie.

A man of Klein’s stature never goes out of his way to show deference to others. Normally, people would be lining up for the honor of being acknowledged by him, hoping for even a moment in his presence.

But this time, Klein was the one introducing himself to Elodie.

Sylvie felt a sudden, inexplicable sinking in her chest.

By all rights, if someone like Elodie was faced with such a rare opportunity, she’d be the one making the effort, eager to cultivate the connection. Yet now, the roles had reversed.

Sylvie’s brow furrowed deeply. She couldn’t make sense of it for the moment.

Just then, Jarrod finished his phone call and walked over.

His dark, thoughtful eyes also took in the scene unfolding nearby.

Klein seemed to be in a very good mood as he approached Elodie and offered his hand with surprising warmth.

Elodie met him with calm composure, her expression polite and unassuming as she shook his hand.

Sylvie pressed her lips together, dismissively turning her gaze away. She looked up at Jarrod and said, “Jarrod, Mr. Whitaker didn’t say much to me he went over to speak with that group instead.”

She made no mention of Elodie’s name.

After all, why bother bringing up someone on the sidelines?

Jarrod watched the gathering, his deep-set eyes betraying nothing.

Sylvie frowned slightly, then added, “Doesn’t it seem a little odd to you too?”

But before Jarrod could answer, Alexander could be seen making his way toward Elodie.

Suddenly, the puzzle pieces started to fall into place the tense scene from earlier now made a bit more sense.

Klein and Alexander knew each other. If Alexander wanted to introduce Elodie to the higher-ups, of course Klein would oblige him. It wasn’t recognition Elodie had earned on her own.

Sylvie allowed herself a small, tight smile and refrained from saying anything further.

Jarrod slipped a hand casually into his pocket, his gaze lingering on Elodie as she conversed effortlessly with Klein. She was poised, her eyes warm yet reserved, her smile subtle-gracious, but always maintaining a certain distance.

Even when speaking to someone of Klein’s rank, she remained perfectly composed.

He’d met Klein a few times before, and rarely had he seen the man act so welcoming.

After a moment, Jarrod drew his gaze away, his lashes lowering as he arched a barely noticeable brow.

For Klein, this was the first time he was formally meeting Elodie.

He made no attempt to conceal his admiration. “Ms. Thorne, you’re truly remarkable. Charlie has been hiding a real gem, hasn’t he?”

“Gem” was almost an understatement.

Someone of Elodie’s caliber would be a top prize for any country in the world.

Charlie himself had once remarked, “You only see talent like this once in a generation.”

The U.N2 Recon-Combat drone was something Elodie had developed at just twenty years old. It was already being deployed in real combat and exported to several countries. From the very moment it was unveiled, militaries worldwide had shown intense interest in this dual-capability UAV.

Now, it was internationally renowned as a game-changing weapon system.

Given the need for absolute secrecy and technical security, Elodie’s identity had to remain classified.

She couldn’t help feeling a bit embarrassed. “You give me too much credit, sir.” Alexander glanced over at Elodie, his eyes filled with pride and approval.

Klein waved his hand, chuckling. “You’re far too modest, Elodie. I assume Charlie already mentioned the next-gen Mark VI project for the second half of the year? Have you given it any thought?”

Elodie instinctively glanced around.

Thankfully, it was just the three of them.

She answered softly, “Thank you for the opportunity. If I can make a contribution to the country’s defense, I’d be honored.”

Klein’s face lit up at her answer.

Just then, Watts finished his own conversation and approached, noticing Klein’s unusually cheerful mood.

He offered Klein a polite nod as a greeting.

Klein met his gaze, understanding at once that Watts didn’t want his identity revealed, so he didn’t press him.

Glancing at his watch, Klein smiled, “Looks like it’s almost lunchtime. Why don’t we sit down and talk things over?”