Even though Elodie’s words were calm and measured, to Sylvie they dripped with biting sarcasm.

Her face hardened, and her grip on her handbag tightened involuntarily.

She took a steadying breath, forcing herself to regain composure. “I think you should understand—I had no knowledge of this matter.”

Sylvie couldn’t see why Elodie needed to turn on her. The priority should be resolving the case, focusing on those truly responsible—not letting petty jealousy get in the way.

With that in mind, Sylvie pressed her lips together and met Elodie’s gaze. “This isn’t beyond negotiation. Neural Intelligence is willing to offer compensation to VistaLink Technologies and to you. I hope we can come to an agreement and withdraw the case.”

After all, it was a report based on personal testimony. Things hadn’t yet reached the point of no return.

Elodie turned to face her, eyes cool and detached. “I’d rather watch you get scrubbed clean behind bars than touch your dirty money.”

Sylvie stared at Elodie in disbelief, clearly not expecting such a harsh response.

Elodie’s gaze slid away, her tone frosty as she delivered her parting words: “Go through the proper channels. You’ll have plenty of time to talk to me in court.”

She ignored the way Sylvie’s expression darkened instantly, walking straight into the VistaLink Technologies building.

Esmeralda ambled after her, pausing just long enough to glance at Sylvie and offer a sweet, lopsided smile. “Ms. Fielding, just returning your own words.”

She remembered all too well how, when this scandal first broke, Sylvie had strutted around repeating, “We’ll handle this by the book.” Well, two could play that game.

Sylvie clearly understood the jab, her chest rising and falling as she fought to keep her frustration in check. She turned and strode briskly toward the car.

It was obvious now—VistaLink Technologies had no intention of negotiating. They didn’t care about a payout, didn’t want anything at all. Their sole aim was to bring her down.

If the case went to trial, she’d be in real trouble. VistaLink Technologies had more than enough evidence-defamation, breach of confidentiality, you name it-to see her locked up.

Unable to enter the VistaLink Technologies building, Sylvie retreated to her car. Selma was waiting in the back seat, and as soon as she saw Sylvie’s grim expression, her own face fell. “No luck?”

Sylvie shook her head. There hadn’t even been a real conversation.

Selma was genuinely rattled now, her voice rising in agitation. “Elodie’s doing this to spite you! That woman’s just like her

mother-seems innocent, but cunning and vicious. She thinks she can just send someone to prison and get away with it? Doesn’t she fear karma?”

Sylvie pressed her aching temples, keeping her gaze down. “Don’t worry, Mom. Jarrod will help me.”

At that, Selma calmed a little. Right-Jarrod had influence everywhere, and her daughter was his favorite. He’d find a way.

Sylvie hesitated, then called Jarrod again.

He didn’t pick up immediately. When he finally answered, his voice was cool: “So? Any progress?”

Sylvie’s fingers clenched unconsciously, her reply tinged with helplessness. “She’s got it out for me. Not easy to negotiate.”

Jarrod made a noncommittal sound, then spoke evenly, “Use every connection

you have. Don’t forget who your mentor is.”

Sylvie paused, then understood exactly what he meant.

Word about the dispute between VistaLink Technologies and Neural Intelligence was spreading throughout the industry, especially at TerraCore Technologies. Law enforcement had also made several rounds of inquiries in recent days.

They’d confirmed with Naylor’s team whether any violations had occurred, and whether there had been any lapses in VistaLink Technologies’ patent access protocols that might have led to the leak.

Even though they hadn’t played an active role and had operated by the book all

along, the opposition’s underhanded tactics had dragged them in.

Now, caught up in the aftermath, they faced potential consequences if VistaLink Technologies decided to pursue the issue. Responsibility for oversight failures could still fallon them it all depended on how far Vista Link Technologies wanted to take it.