Chapter 356

Keith had just come in carrying a pot of herbal tea when Elodie happened to walk by. She ignored him completely, brushing past without so much as a glance.

She didn’t even look back.

Keith was taken aback. He glanced at Jarrod, then at the tea in his hands. “Mr. Silverstein, should I…?”

Jarrod sat unmoving on the sofa, absently rubbing his knuckles. After a moment, he replied with cool indifference, “Pour it out.”

VistaLink Technologies had finalized negotiations with several suitable companies.

The licensing fees weren’t cheap, and annual renewals were required.

The next day.

Elodie received a call from Charlie.

“I’ve reviewed your new system. It’s decent, but there’s still room for improvement. Don’t get complacent-tech evolves at breakneck speed. You need to keep pushing yourself.”

Elodie tensed up. Ever since she’d officially become Charlie’s student, she’d felt the pressure of having him as a mentor.

“Understood. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Only then did Charlie continue, “Are you free tomorrow? Come by for dinner. We can talk in detail.”

Elodie agreed obediently, “Of course.”

The following day.

Alexander drove Elodie to Charlie’s house himself.

As they stepped inside, Elodie realized it wasn’t just Charlie waiting for them.

Klein and Naylor were both there as well-visiting for their own reasons.

Elodie’s expression didn’t flicker. She greeted Charlie as usual and then turned to Klein. “Good afternoon.”

Naylor’s gaze lingered on Elodie, watching as she walked right past him, not sparing even a sideways glance—as if he were invisible.

She was still ignoring him.

Klein frowned slightly in silence.

Even in front of her mentor, she didn’t bother with false pleasantries.

Charlie waved everyone over. “Perfect timing-dinner’s ready. Let’s sit down.”

Alexander shot Elodie a meaningful look.

Well, this should be interesting.

Elodie sized up the situation but kept her feelings hidden.

Once they were all seated, Alexander offered Naylor a sly smile. “Mr. Whitaker, I didn’t expect to see you here.”

To Naylor, it sounded like a subtle jab.

It was clear Alexander knew exactly why he’d come today.

Charlie poured himself a small glass of wine, savoring it. “Let’s talk about the military contract with these two while we eat.”

Klein nodded, and finally turned to Elodie, his tone warm. “Elodie, VistaLink Technologies has made quite the breakthrough. The higher-ups are taking it very seriously. The military is looking to use your patent for some of their drone security programs-that’s why I wanted to discuss things with you in person.”

Elodie nodded, straightforward as ever. “No problem. VistaLink Technologies is happy to cooperate.”

Once the business was settled, Klein hesitated, then continued, “This system has such wide applications that pretty much every major company will need it to operate. Can I ask why did VistaLink Technologies refuse to sell the patent to TerraCore Technologies?”

He wasn’t trying to force her hand.

If VistaLink had its own reasons, he’d respect that-and Naylor would have to find another solution.

If it was just the result of last time’s conflict, he was prepared to resolve it here and now.

Alexander remained silent, watching Elodie.

She understood: Klein might hold a high position, but he’d always been approachable. The fact that he’d come here personally already showed real sincerity.

Elodie’s tone was calm and self-assured. “I take it Mr. Whitaker hasn’t mentioned it to you?”

Klein frowned, puzzled. “I’d like to hear your side.”

Naylor’s face soured further, and only now did he finally feel the sting of having to swallow his pride before the woman he had never taken seriously.

The very woman he’d always dismissed.

And now, he was the one forced to come begging…

Buying VistaLink’s patent was supposed to be doing them a favor, giving them money-yet now it seemed like he had to hope they’d even be willing to accept it. A dull frustration gnawed at him.

Alexander was the owner of VistaLink Technologies.

Yet here he was, letting Elodie take the lead on such a major decision?

Elodie didn’t spare Naylor another glance. She looked Klein in the eye and articulated her stance, word by word. “VistaLink Technologies is willing to consider selling the patent to you, Mr. Whitaker. Please don’t feel awkward about it. But there’s one condition-”

Only then did she cast a cool, sideways glance at Naylor, whose face had gone completely dark.

Her tone was firm, leaving no room for negotiation. “Mr. Whitaker needs to offer me a sincere apology.”