The opening ceremony at Neural Intelligence had just wrapped up, but she had no choice but to rush over here to discuss the matter of graduate placements.

Worse, she had to do it at VistaLink Technologies-on a day when the place was buzzing with even more attention than usual. People kept coming and going, exchanging pleasantries in the halls. And of course, Elodie was here too.

Being forced to come to VistaLink Technologies on her own initiative left Sylvie deeply uncomfortable.

But not a hint of that showed on her face. She surveyed the room before finally speaking. “Good afternoon, Dr. Sterling. I’m sorry to take up your time today-l have a few questions I’d appreciate your answer to.”

Charlie looked at her, his gaze sharp. “You want to ask about the graduate position, don’t you?”

Sylvie straightened her back and nodded. “I heard you might already have someone in mind. May I ask who-?”

“It’s Elodie.”

Charlie’s answer was curt, yet carried an unmistakable authority.

The words landed with a physical jolt, making her heart thud in her chest.

He knew exactly what Sylvie was thinking, and saw no need to beat around the bush.

For a split second, Sylvie’s expression froze. She’d convinced herself the rumors weren’t true, but now, faced with the reality, she nearly lost her composure.

If the student Dr. Sterling had chosen had been that top scorer from admissions, she wouldn’t have reacted so strongly.

But Elodie getting the first spot through every ‘connection and shortcut’ at her disposal?

Unacceptable.

As for Elodie’s grades? Sylvie didn’t even care to know. If Elodie had anything impressive to show, she would have been flaunting it already.

Meanwhile, Jarrod’s gaze drifted lightly to Elodie, who stood nearby, her expression cold and distant, as if the conversation had nothing to do with her. He made no move to involve himself in Charlie and Sylvie’s discussion.

Elodie didn’t even bother to look up; she simply glanced at her watch, her gesture making it clear she had little patience for these proceedings.

Sylvie noticed it, and her own eyes grew colder.

Was Elodie deliberately using Dr. Sterling’s presence to act superior?

Forcing her mind into overdrive, Sylvie spoke quickly, “Dr. Sterling, ever since I returned from abroad, I’ve worked hard to follow in your footsteps. My results in this round of exams are, without a doubt, among the best. Could you tell me just one reason? Why did you choose Elodie over me?”

She almost wanted to ask outright: What does Elodie have that I don’t? Is it just because she’s Alexander’s favorite?

This time, Charlie regarded her fully, his gaze sweeping down with cool detachment. “Ms. Fielding, did you come to see me today out of dissatisfaction, or

because you can’t accept my decision?”

The words cut sharper than she expected.

Sylvie pressed her lips together, her throat suddenly tight.

Charlie glanced at Jarrod, who was still pointedly silent, his eyes betraying a flicker of displeasure. It wasn’t hard to guess that Jarrod had orchestrated this meeting, hoping Sylvie could plead her case.

Finally, Charlie turned back to Sylvie and said, his tone icy, “You want an answer? Fine. Four words: ‘Best candidate wins.’ Perhaps it’s time you showed a little more humility in that regard.”

Sylvie was stunned, unable to believe she was being compared and found wanting-in this way.

Best candidate wins…

Did he really mean Elodie was the better choice? Had she misunderstood the meaning of that phrase?

She knew that a mentor should consider more than just test scores when selecting students. But did Elodie really deserve to be called ‘the best’?

“I’m not here to change your mind. You have every right to choose whoever you wish,” Sylvie managed to compose herself, her voice earnest. “My only goal is to contribute to the advancement of our field. All I’m asking is that you consider adding one more spot. I won’t let you down, and I won’t give anyone a reason to question your decision.”

If you really only take an outsider like Elodie, you’ll never silence the doubters, she thought bitterly.

No matter how much she questioned the legitimacy of Elodie’s selection, Sylvie knew better than to say so directly to Dr. Sterling. If he really had chosen Elodie because of Alexander’s influence and not on merit, this was the worst possible time to make enemies.

As long as he gave her a spot, she’d make sure he saw the difference between her and Elodie soon enough.

Elodie, meanwhile, had clearly picked up on Sylvie’s real message.

Sylvie didn’t recognize her, had no respect for her, and didn’t even want to speak to her.

Charlie clasped his hands behind his back, his gaze unwavering as he addressed Sylvie, never one for unnecessary pleasantries:

“The position has always been Elodie’s. No one else was ever in consideration.”