While waiting for her graduate program results, Elodie didn’t waste a single moment. The moment she learned that Neural Intelligence was also pursuing a project in renewable energy, she knew competition in certain sectors was inevitable.

Naturally, she had to seize the initiative.

That meant investigating all kinds of new materials and setting up meetings with different companies for in-depth discussions.

By now, Elodie had practically visited every suitable company in the Global Trade Plaza.

It was just after nine in the morning.

Elodie set out from VistaLink Technologies, heading straight for the cluster of firms near Eldrion Global.

It was her first time on Eldrion Global’s turf. Standing at the base of the imposing tower, she looked up, remembering the last time Watts had visited VistaLink Technologies. If, after careful evaluation, this renewable energy project could be developed in partnership with Eldrion Global, it would be a perfect marriage of expertise and resources.

She lingered for only a moment.

That’s when a sleek car pulled up right in front of her.

Sylvie stepped out, and their eyes met instantly.

Sylvie’s gaze was icy. When she looked at Elodie, there was a sharpness in her eyes, an unmistakable edge of mockery she didn’t bother to hide.

Elodie’s expression didn’t change.

She understood all too well-Selma’s transfer to another hospital had been humiliating for Sylvie and her mother. It was a wound to their pride, and naturally, they weren’t happy about it.

For someone like Sylvie, who’d always been the golden girl, this kind of “humiliation” was intolerable.

Even if Jarrod had decided on the transfer for their own good, it didn’t change the fact that in Elodie’s world, they’d suffered a setback. Of course, there would be resentment, a sense of imbalance.

“Contact Mr. Aldridge’s assistant and let them know we’ve arrived,” Sylvie instructed her assistant coolly, as if Elodie were nothing but air.

Then, heels clicking, she strode into Eldrion Global without a backward glance. Elodie wasn’t surprised.

A defense conglomerate of Eldrion Global’s stature would obviously attract interest from Neural Intelligence, too.

So Sylvie was here to see Watts.

Elodie didn’t dwell on it. She had her own agenda and turned away, heading off to meet an executive about the carbon fiber composites used in drone exteriors.

Fortunately, the conversation went smoothly, and within half an hour, they’d reached an agreement.

On her way out, she passed by Eldrion Global again.

She glanced over at the lobby lounge-and caught a scene that made her pause.

Watts entered the lobby through a side door, someone at his side murmuring a reminder. He looked up, glancing toward the waiting area.

Sylvie sat there, posture perfect.

After hearing a few words from his assistant, Watts started in her direction.

As he crossed the lobby, Watts spotted Elodie waiting for her car outside, catching

her reflection through the glass. Without a hint of hesitation, he smiled and gave her an easy wave, greeting her openly.

Elodie hesitated for a split second, surprised that Watts had noticed her and went out of his way to say hello, even through the glass.

She’d always had a good impression of Watts-rare genius, and genuinely interested in VistaLink Technologies.

Her years in public relations had taught her to keep up appearances, and she managed a gentle smile and a nod in return.

Sylvie didn’t miss Watts’s sudden movement. She turned her head, peering out the window.

When she saw Elodie’s friendly expression directed at Watts, her brow furrowed.

“Is Mr. Aldridge close with her?” Sylvie asked, her tone perfectly neutral.

Watts waited until Elodie had gotten into her car before returning his focus to Sylvie. He gestured politely for her to sit. “Please, have a seat. I hope you haven’t been waiting long?”

He offered no explanation.

That was the end of it.

As Sylvie sat, she watched out of the corner of her eye as Elodie’s car drove away.

That little smile Elodie had given Watts-Sylvie thought it said a lot. It looked almost ingratiating.

Maybe, after Ivan’s engagement party, when Watts had invited her to dance, Elodie had started to imagine things?

As she reached for the file her assistant handed over, a faint, mocking smile played at the corners of her lips.

Elodie’s little games with Watts were really so unnecessary.

But Sylvie gave nothing away, simply resting her hands elegantly on her knees as she spoke. “No trouble at all. I’m here to discuss Neural Intelligence’s latest project proposal with you, Mr. Aldridge. If you have a moment to review it, perhaps we can talk further if it interests you.”