Elodie was well aware of Abbott’s reputation.

He had been Charlie Sterling’s very first doctoral student-the earliest batch to study and do research under the renowned academician. Now, Abbott held a senior position at the institute, a leading figure in the country’s top scientific circles.

After Sylvie lost her shot with Dr. Sterling, Professor Abbott was her best remaining option.

Alexander, ever blunt, didn’t bother sugarcoating it. “Finding her way to Professor Abbott was a smart move. At least this way, Sylvie still keeps a foot in the research institute. I’d bet Jarrod had a hand in this—he’s always plotting behind the scenes.”

Elodie kept her eyes on the computer monitor, the glow of intricate code reflecting in her gaze, her fingers never pausing on the keyboard. “With Jarrod steering from behind, Sylvie hardly has any real obstacles.”

Sooner or later, it was inevitable they’d all run into each other at the institute.

Alexander gave a short laugh and shrugged. “Your graduate exam scores blew everyone out of the water. Honestly, Sylvie’s only shot at competing with you on equal footing was through this entrance exam. She’s desperate to break into this field, but sooner or later she’ll realize that even after giving it her all, she still can’t reach your level.”

Let alone ever truly go head-to-head.

Elodie’s results weren’t just impressive-they were the highest ever recorded in the program’s history.

If she wanted, she could probably ride on the dean’s shoulders through campus and he’d just grin and compliment her on her form.

He could only hope Sylvie would be able to handle the disappointment when reality set in.

Elodie stared at the screen for a long moment, her typing slowing to a halt, a serious expression settling over her striking features.

Alexander, noticing the shift, was about to check on her when Elodie suddenly sprang up from her chair. “Get the tech team together. I’ve cracked the new flight control system. Time for testing and validation.”

Alexander’s expression changed instantly-part shock, part disbelief.

He rushed to assemble the entire engineering team.

From the very first day Elodie joined VistaLink Technologies, she’d dedicated every spare moment-outside of project work-to developing this new system. After months of relentless effort, she’d finally perfected the final version.

VistaLink Technologies went into full alert.

Over the next two days, Elodie led the team through round after round of rigorous tests on the new flight control system.

The final results were staggering: 99.99% stability, ready to be integrated into every high-end drone the company produced.

It could even be adapted to upgrade VistaLink Technologies’ upcoming products, promising a leap in quality and performance.

This was a breakthrough an industry-first in the country.

A revolutionary leap forward.

It shattered domestic technical barriers, overturning the existing landscape and business models in the field.

Alexander wasted no time. He immediately set up the patent application process and scheduled meetings with the patent office. As the system’s creator, Elodie had to be listed as the primary inventor on the documents.

This wasn’t just a milestone for the company-it was a seismic shift for the entire industry.

It would drive a new era of technological advancement across the sector.

“Update the flight control system on all products launching soon,” Elodie instructed Alexander during a strategy meeting on high-end drone optimization. “And start preparing for an official announcement.”

Alexander had no objections-he was still reeling, honestly. Elodie had single- handedly pushed the whole industry forward!

His face had practically frozen into a smile these past two days. “With this patent, we’re at least five years ahead of ninety percent of tech companies out there. VistaLink Technologies now holds absolute authority.”

Elodie could finally breathe a little easier.

Meanwhile, Esmeralda Mercer took charge of the public announcement, highlighting the technical breakthroughs and innovations.

As expected-

Within an hour of the news going public, the industry was in an uproar.

VistaLink Technologies’ phone lines rang off the hook.

Alexander almost felt overwhelmed-in the best possible way.

Every single call was about one thing: securing a partnership for the new flight control system, or applying for patent licensing.

Elodie had seen it coming.

For other companies, survival meant adapting fast. Either they partnered with VistaLink Technologies or bought licensing rights-only then could they hope to keep a stake in the market.

Otherwise, they’d fall behind.

And that meant stepping off the stage for good.

In just a few short days, VistaLink Technologies made headlines twice.

First, with Charlie Sterling’s exclusive graduate student slot.

Second, with a technical revolution.