Chapter 344

He had chosen VistaLink Technologies right in front of Neural Intelligence.

Even with his cordial relationship with Sylvie and the others, Joseph was surprisingly willing to let Charlie drive the knife in like this.

Right as they were talking, a stir rippled through the crowd ahead.

Charlie had arrived.

Even the media couldn’t hide their surprise-someone of Charlie’s stature, a leading figure in the research world, was an unexpected guest. Cameras immediately pivoted toward him, but with the event not yet open for interviews, the VistaLink Technologies staff kept everything orderly. No one rushed him; everyone held back with professional decorum.

Escorted by his assistant, Charlie approached Elodie.

The moment Joseph saw Charlie, his expression turned grave. The suspicion he’d been nursing all along surged back to the forefront of his mind.

“Mr. Sterling,” Joseph greeted him respectfully, calculating his next words before adding in a gentle tone, “You found time to join us today.”

Charlie recognized him and nodded. Surrounded by fellow professionals and members of the press, he nonetheless answered without hesitation, “I’m here to see my student.”

Joseph’s gaze snapped to Elodie, who had been calm and collected from the very

start.

It really was her-

Representatives from the government were present for Neural Intelligence’s event

today.

Sylvie barely had a moment to breathe; Jarrod was still tied up in meetings at The Silverstein Group and wouldn’t make it over until later.

Maurice, at least, was free to lend a hand.

He glanced at his watch. “Has Jarrod said when he’ll be here?”

Sylvie double-checked her phone before replying, “He said twenty minutes.”

She paused, then asked, “What about Joseph? Why hasn’t he shown up today?” Maurice was wondering the same thing. “I’ll shoot him a message in a bit, see what’s up. Probably got held up with company business.”

“Did Jarrod set a time to meet with Mr. Sterling?”

Sylvie frowned slightly. “Three in the afternoon. Jarrod didn’t see the need to invite the professor to the opening ceremony-he never mentioned today’s event, just set a regular meeting time.”

She couldn’t guess what Jarrod was planning, but she figured maybe the professor preferred to avoid public appearances, and that’s why Jarrod hadn’t brought up the ceremony.

Maurice shrugged. “If he’s willing to meet, adding an extra guest shouldn’t be a big deal.”

He then grinned, shaking his head. “VistaLink Technologies picked today for their product launch too-same day as Neural Intelligence. You’d think they were trying to make a point.” He’d only just heard about the scheduling clash and found it amusing.

Sylvie’s eyes flickered with indifference. “We’ve invited plenty of industry leaders today. Even government reps are here, showing their support for Neural Intelligence. Their presence alone sets the tone for our project. VistaLink Technologies can’t match the connections we have-not even close.”

Especially since Jarrod would be showing up on their behalf.

Maurice agreed, chuckling as he pulled out his phone to text Joseph. “Sorry I’m late.”

Naylor arrived, and his assistant presented a congratulatory gift.

Sylvie turned her attention to him with a polite smile. “Thank you, Mr. Whitaker, for making time for us.”

Naylor had received the invitation days ago. He’d missed the last art gala due to conflicts, but he was determined to show his support this time. With Neural Intelligence’s promising future, he was eager to build ties for potential collaborations down the line.

He glanced at Maurice, who was still absorbed in his phone, and was about to say something when Maurice’s expression suddenly shifted. He looked up at Sylvie, conflicted. “Mr. Sterling… went to VistaLink Technologies.”

Sylvie’s face fell at the news.

“And…” Maurice turned his phone so she could see the screen.

Naylor, standing nearby, caught a clear glimpse of the update and his pupils contracted sharply.

Someone in Maurice’s network had already posted a status from the VistaLink Technologies launch: a photo of Charlie and Elodie standing together.

Then Sylvie noticed the caption beneath the photo-

Her face drained of color, utterly stricken.

[After four years, Mr. Sterling takes on a new student-none other than Ms. Thorne of VistaLink Technologies. Honored to witness this moment!]