Elodie stared in disbelief at the man already seated.

Waldron Ferguson-a legendary name in the field, standing shoulder to shoulder with Mr. Sterling.

Years ago, Mr. Ferguson had studied and conducted research in Verdania. It wasn’t until twenty years back that he returned home, working alongside top academics to advance the nation’s aerospace and defense technology. For years, he and Charlie Sterling were hailed as the North and South’s twin giants, earning immense respect throughout the industry.

But Mr. Ferguson had withdrawn from public life several years ago. Most of his protégés now held key research positions in defense, delving deep into cutting- edge military technology.

Even the sixth-generation jet Klein Whitaker had invited her to work on next fall fell under that same domain.

“Mr. Ferguson? Jarrod actually managed to coax Mr. Ferguson out of retirement?” Alexander was equally astonished. Having grown up in that world, he understood just how significant this was.

Waldron was infamous for his eccentricity and prickly temper-but his talent was nothing short of a national treasure.

“He’s that impressive?” Esmeralda blinked, confused. The names and reputations meant little to her.

Elodie nodded slowly. “He’s on par with the top academicians. The two of them have spent their whole lives arguing over research-let’s just say… they’re not exactly friendly.”

At that level, strong personalities and intellectual clashes were inevitable.

Alexander frowned, still trying to wrap his head around it. “Jarrod must have some serious connections if he convinced Mr. Ferguson to come back. Does this mean… he wants Mr. Ferguson to mentor Sylvie?”

Esmeralda’s eyes widened as it clicked. “You mean if Mr. Ferguson agrees to take Sylvie under his wing, all the recent drama around her would just… disappear?”

She wouldn’t even have to bother salvaging her reputation. Just being associated with Mr. Ferguson would put an end to all the gossip.

Elodie genuinely hadn’t seen this coming.

Mr. Ferguson hadn’t involved himself in these matters for years. What kind of favor did Jarrod have to call in to make this happen?

“Didn’t Mr. Ferguson try to recruit you a few years back?” Alexander recalled, still incredulous. “He wanted you to join his research team at the defense department. You actually turned him down.”

Back then, Elodie’s father had already convinced her to join his own project, so she’d declined Mr. Ferguson’s offer. The two men had even argued over it.

So, in a way…

“Does that mean you’re on Mr. Ferguson’s bad side?” Alexander couldn’t help but chuckle.

Elodie had been young and blunt then-not one for subtlety or politics. She’d refused him outright, without any sugarcoating.

Especially with someone as notoriously difficult as Waldron Ferguson, there was no telling how he’d taken it.

Elodie considered this. She didn’t

think her refusal had been an insult, but there was no need to linger here. If she bumped into him, ignoring him would be rude; greeting him would be awkward, especially with the Howards nearby. She made up her mind. “Forget it. Let’s fineb

somewhere else to eat.”

On the other side of the room-

Jarrod glanced in their direction, his gaze cool and unconcerned, then looked away.

Halfway through, he stepped out onto the terrace to take a call.

When he returned, Lucinda approached, her striking features tinged with concern. “What exactly are you trying to do?”

Jarrod looked back at his mother, expression inscrutable. “What do you mean?”

Even though Lucinda was clearly

irritated and confused, she kept her

demeanor composed. “I’ve heard

what’s been going on at Eldermere. Ms. Fielding’s gotten herself into quite a mess and has even been expelled from Verdant University. Of all times, you bring her here to meet your great-grandfather-couldn’t you have waited until things blew over?”

“Your great-grandfather and Mr. Ferguson go way back, which is the only reason Mr. Ferguson agreed to show up. But what he decides to do next… is another matter entirely.”