Of course.

After all, this was the most luxurious suite in the hospital.

Rosemary pushed Elodie’s meal tray toward her. “Here, this just came in from the nurse.”

Elodie nodded in thanks.

Sometimes, you had to admit—money really did buy a certain kind of comfort.

For the next two days, three meals arrived on schedule, always fresh, never the same twice.

Emile had been moved out of intensive care. He was awake now, though still unable to move much.

As soon as Esmeralda heard the news, she insisted on visiting with Alexander. Elodie barely had time to protest before the two of them managed to carve out a visit.

Esmeralda took one look at Elodie, who hadn’t slept properly in two days, and crossed the room to gently cup her cheek. “There are nurses and aides for a reason, you know. Let yourself rest a little.”

Alexander, moving quietly, set down a bag of health supplements they’d brought. Emile was finally asleep.

Elodie led them out to the sitting room just outside the bedroom.

Once they were settled, Alexander and Esmeralda shared an update they’d picked up during the past couple of days. “Word on the street,” Alexander said, “is that Neural Intelligence and TerraCore Technologies have signed a partnership. They’re working together on a new product.”

Esmeralda folded her arms and let out a dry laugh. “So the two of them team up, and then use VistaLink Technologies’ new system as their base. That Sylvie Fielding-she’s cunning, isn’t she?”

TerraCore Technologies specialized in advanced materials, and lately had branched into drone production tech. Now, with Neural Intelligence on board, they’d be able to supplement each other’s strengths-Neural Intelligence handling everything beyond the flight control system, making for a more complete product.

But there was no question: Neural Intelligence wouldn’t be the one calling the shots.

Elodie raised an eyebrow. Sylvie certainly moved quickly.

At least they wouldn’t be left out in the cold this time.

But still…

“If Neural Intelligence wanted a partnership, shouldn’t it have been with Nexus Analytics?” she wondered aloud.

Over the past two days at the hospital, Jason from Nexus Analytics had come by to finalize the patent license agreement. Neural Intelligence choosing TerraCore instead was a surprise.

After all, Jarrod had always been willing to back Sylvie.

Alexander gave a wry smile. “You think Nexus Analytics isn’t involved? They’ve already sent some top engineers-people they recruited from overseas-to help Neural Intelligence. If I had to guess, they’re aiming to help Neural Intelligence develop their own technology.”

Elodie’s thoughts grew sharper, the situation coming into focus.

Jarrod was covering Sylvie’s back, giving her the support she needed.

He wanted Neural Intelligence to develop their own flight control system-helping them break free from VistaLink Technologies’ influence.

He didn’t want to see Sylvie at the mercy of VistaLink Technologies, didn’t want her to be pushed around.

Elodie let out a silent, scornful laugh. She saw right through Jarrod’s intentions. He simply couldn’t bear to see Sylvie constrained by VistaLink Technologies any longer.

On her own, Sylvie’s skills and the current resources at Neural Intelligence meant it would take at least three years to catch up. But if Jarrod brought in new talent, things might move faster.

This was the difference between major corporations and ordinary companies.

As for the Neural Intelligence and TerraCore partnership, Elodie wasn’t bothered. If it hadn’t been TerraCore, it would’ve been someone else. Even without a Nexus Analytics patent, Jarrod would have found another company for Neural Intelligence to work with.

It didn’t matter to Elodie. But for Sylvie, not being able to lead her own company- always having to rely on outside help-must have been infuriating.

Monday.

Elodie returned to VistaLink Technologies.

Emile was stable, with round-the-clock care from the nursing staff.

VistaLink Technologies’ new flight control system was still the talk of the industry. Now, with the new patent licenses, they were also offering technical guidance to their partners.

As she left Global Trade Plaza, Elodie ran into Sylvie and Seymour, who were there for a meeting.

The moment Seymour spotted Elodie, he couldn’t help but think of the revolutionary new patent VistaLink Technologies had just released. His expression tightened, and he nearly tripped over his own feet.

Elodie barely spared him a glance.

She brushed past Sylvie instead.

Sylvie didn’t pause, her steps even, but her gaze flicked over to Elodie-cool,

indifferent, with the faintest trace of a mocking smile.