In this crowd, some people seemed to think every problem could be solved with petty scheming.

She couldn’t agree less.

Now that Neural Intelligence had landed TerraCore Technologies as a partner, Elodie’s antagonism struck her as even more childish and laughable.

The institute’s open house had drawn in a mix of students from Verdant University, representatives from other firms-and even a few CEOs who, not long ago, had shown up at Selma’s art exhibition just to save face with Jarrod. They all made a point of coming over to exchange pleasantries, working the room with practiced ease.

Several events were scheduled across the grounds that day.

Before long, Charlie arrived, striding across the lawn with a distinguished man in his forties. Their presence seemed to infuse the gathering with fresh energy.

Elodie recognized the man beside the academic: Professor Abbott, the very first doctoral student the institute’s founder had ever mentored. With his wire-rimmed glasses and gentle composure, Abbott exuded quiet sophistication.

Catching sight of him, Sylvie greeted Abbott with polite warmth. “Professor.”

Abbott nodded in acknowledgment. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Elodie. He paused briefly, then offered her a cordial, almost fatherly smile and a nod.

Sylvie’s brow furrowed ever so slightly at the exchange.

Grady, picking up on her discomfort, leaned in and murmured, “Don’t let it bother you. Elodie is Mr. Sterling’s student now-of course Professor Abbott would greet her. Without the academic’s endorsement, she wouldn’t be anybody here.”

Sylvie agreed, her lips curving into a wry smile. “I know. It doesn’t bother me.”

Seeing that she hadn’t taken it to heart, Grady finally relaxed.

Sylvie glanced over at Jarrod, stepping a little closer and lowering her voice until only he could hear. “Jarrod, I’m still a bit nervous about seeing the professor today.”

Jarrod cast his eyes down, soothing. “You’ll be fine. There’s nothing to worry about.”

With that, Sylvie managed a small, grateful smile and nodded.

Charlie was escorting Abbott over to brief the event coordinators about which areas would be open to visitors.

During this lull, a nearby guest who’d overheard Sylvie call Abbott “Professor” couldn’t help but interject, surprise in their tone. “I never quite understood it-why didn’t Ms. Fielding choose Mr. Sterling in the end? I heard her grades were outstanding.”

It was common knowledge that Sylvie’s original goal had been Charlie.

Yet somehow, it was Elodie who ended up as Mr. Sterling’s protégé.

A few people exchanged discreet glances, their eyes drifting toward Elodie. Had Ms. Thorne really outmaneuvered Ms. Fielding?

Jarrod’s expression didn’t shift; he only glanced sidelong at Elodie, his gaze cool and unreadable, the slightest arch to his brow betraying a flicker of thought.

Sylvie’s composure remained intact. “It’s complicated,” she replied calmly, “but what’s done is done. Thank you for your concern.”

Everyone present was a seasoned operator-nobody missed the fact that Sylvie’s answer revealed absolutely nothing, and they immediately began to speculate about what she’d left unsaid.

They couldn’t help but sneak glances at Elodie, and at Alexander, who was leaning in, whispering something quietly in her ear.

Did this mean there was some secret behind it all?

Grady’s heart went out to Sylvie. She should have had this in the bag, and yet here she was, forced to accept the outcome with grace and keep up appearances under everyone’s scrutiny.

Just then, Maurice-who’d been silent till now-suddenly brightened, as if struck by an important thought. He clapped his hands together, enthusiasm in his voice. “Speaking of grad school, isn’t today the day Verdant University posts their official admissions list?”