So what if Elodie managed to get her hands on Nexus Analytics?

No matter how much she achieved, she could never get past the simple fact that Jarrod valued Sylvie more than her. That was a hurdle Elodie would never clear- a prize she could never win, no matter how many strategies she devised or how hard she tried.

The transfer of Nexus Analytics came with a mountain of paperwork and procedures. After a few days of running around, Elodie finally felt she had a grip on things-staffing, future plans, everything that mattered.

True to her word, she withdrew the legal complaint. But by now, the entire industry knew exactly what Neural Intelligence had done, and VistaLink Technologies had already put out a statement. The news hit Nexus Analytics like a shockwave; everyone was on edge.

Elodie met with Alexander to discuss bringing in a few key members from their own team. Some positions at Nexus Analytics would stay the same, but the company would be separated from Jarrod’s control, giving Elodie absolute authority. Nexus Analytics would now operate independently of her other ventures, and if anyone at Nexus Analytics stepped out of line, she wouldn’t hesitate to clean house.

Jason, meanwhile, was still tapped to oversee part of the company. But when he learned that Nexus Analytics now had a new owner-none other than Elodie Thorne from VistaLink Technologies—he was floored, unable to process what had just happened.

Why her? He broke out in goosebumps. Only now did he realize Elodie had already been a shareholder in Nexus Analytics. Now that her involvement was out in the open, and Mr. Silverstein had transferred full ownership to her, Jason felt a cold sweat roll down his back. Had he ever accidentally stepped on Elodie’s toes? Had he ever crossed her without realizing it?

It felt like the entire industry had just been reshuffled overnight.

That day, Elodie stopped by with her assistant Candida. She had a long list of issues to address, and today, she needed to officially introduce herself to everyone at Nexus Analytics.

Once all the formalities were handled, the company would need to issue a public announcement—informing shareholders, partners, and clients about the change

in control.

When Jason got the message that he’d be joining Elodie in the elevator, he couldn’t help but wipe the sweat from his brow. “Ms. Thorne, if there’s anything you need to know, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

Elodie’s tone was calm and even as always. She nodded. “Thank you. I’ll let you know.”

Jason sneaked a glance at her reflection in the elevator’s mirrored wall. Something about all this felt off. How long had Elodie been a shareholder at Nexus Analytics? He’d had no idea. And now, suddenly, she was his boss.

Maybe Mr. Silverstein and Ms. Thorne weren’t as unfamiliar with each other as everyone believed.

There were rumors swirling around the office: some said Mr. Silverstein only made the transfer to help Ms Fielding out of a tight spot. But if Ms. Thorn@had already been a

shareholder, that would explain why the transition was so smooth. Did that mean Mr. Silverstein and Ms. Thorne had known each other for a long time? What was their real relationship? What could possibly make Mr. Silverstein hand over Nexus Analytics so decisively?

Elodie, meanwhile, was oblivious to Jason’s inner turmoil. As soon as she stepped off the elevator, someone came over to inform him, “Jason Ms. Fielding is here. She says there are several ongoing projects between Neural Intelligence and Nexus Analytics she needs to discuss with you privately.”

Jason glanced instinctively at Elodie.

She’d already disappeared into her office and didn’t even look up. “She can wait,” she said flatly.

Suddenly, Jason felt the whole situation was downright surreal.

The new boss was making the former boss’s girlfriend cool her heels in the hallway.

He certainly wasn’t about to question that.

But before Elodie could have expected it, Sylvie came striding in on her own.

The moment she saw Elodie sitting ere, Sylvie’s expression turned to ice.

She was shocked-Elodie hadn’t wasted a second before showing up at Nexus Analytics, parading around and staking her claim.

But Elodie understood exactly how things had worked before. Back then, Jarrod had set no boundaries for Sylvie. She’d come and gone from Nexus Analytics as she pleased. The staff hadn’t had time to adjust to the new regime, so of course someone had let her waltz right in.

Candida stepped forward, all professionalism and a polite but chilly smite. “Ms. Fielding, perhaps you ought to brush up on the definition of ‘protocol.’ Nexus

Analytics isn’t your personael.ne

playground anymore. If you want to see Ms. Thorne, you’ll need to schedule an appointment-and right now, your credentials don’t qualify. Please remember that for next time.”