Mr. Gray glanced at Jarrod, and, hearing his introduction, found himself even more intrigued by Elodie. “I’ve heard quite a bit about you recently, Ms. Thorne. You’re making quite a name for yourself at a young age.”

Mr. Dale chimed in, “As the chief engineer heading up VistaLink Technologies’ flight control systems, you’ve certainly earned Mr. Silverstein’s trust. We’re very much looking forward to seeing what surprises our future collaboration might bring.”

Jarrod didn’t add anything further, leaving Elodie to take the lead.

She spoke confidently about her upcoming plans and strategic direction. Nexus Analytics had a well-developed system, and as Elodie described her vision, Jarrod would occasionally supplement her points with some details about the company’s operations.

The executives couldn’t help but look at her with growing admiration.

Sylvie arrived just in time to witness the scene-Elodie and Jarrod standing together, working in easy tandem.

Sylvie’s expression didn’t flicker; she barely spared Elodie a glance as she strode

over.

“Jarrod,” she greeted, coming to stand beside him, her arm casually brushing against the sleeve of his suit.

Only then did Jarrod look down and acknowledge her.

Mr. Gray and Mr. Dale exchanged a knowing glance, immediately recognizing Sylvie’s identity. Mr. Gray, who moments before had felt a certain unspoken chemistry between Jarrod and Elodie, now saw the official “leading lady” arrive. With a sly smile, he turned to Elodie and asked, “Ms. Thorne, you must have a boyfriend as well, right?”

Watts happened to walk up just in time to catch the question.

He paused, dark eyes fixed on Elodie.

Jarrod’s gaze flickered over to her as well, expression unreadable.

Elodie was no stranger to this kind of situation. Her face remained calm as she shook her head. “No, I don’t.”

The moment Watts heard her answer, a small, silent smile curled at his lips. He stepped forward. “Sorry to interrupt,” he said brightly, “but would you mind if I steal a bit of Ms. Thorne’s time?”

His energy was infectious-youthful, charismatic, with a confidence that made people instinctively like him.

The executives, all old enough to be his father, chuckled. “Of course, go ahead.”

Watts turned to Elodie, dropping the formalities. “Elodie, when are you free? I promised to take you to the Eldrion Global exhibition area. Let’s pick a time to go together, yeah?”

Even Sylvie looked a little surprised at the casual warmth in his tone.

She frowned, watching the exchange.

Elodie considered the invitation. “My schedule’s a bit up in the air at the moment.

If

f you don’t mind, I’ll let you know once I have it sorted?”

“Not at all,” Watts grinned, raising an eyebrow. “Just let me know. I’m always available.”

His enthusiasm was open, almost impossible to ignore.

The executives exchanged intrigued glances.

Sylvie watched the scene with a strange sense of unease. What exactly had

Elodie done to make Watts go out of his way to invite her?

Watts, for his part, knew exactly where to draw the line. Having arranged things with Elodie, he turned to Jarrod and the other executives. “I’ll let you all get back to it. If you need anything, just let me know.”

He was clearly in a good mood-anyone could see it.

Jarrod only nodded, his face betraying nothing.

Once Elodie finished discussing the follow-up work with the executives and confirmed the ongoing collaboration with Nexus Analytics, she slipped away without saying goodbye to Jarrod.

After briefing Alexander on the situation, she headed toward the restroom.

By the window, she spotted Jarrod, quietly smoking. His head was bowed, eyes

lost in the swirl of smoke, deep in thought.

Elodie looked away and went to wash her hands.

When she emerged, Jarrod was still there, though his cigarette had burned out,

and the lingering smoke had dissipated.

He looked her way as she was

about

to leave, and spoke in a low, even tone, “You’re in the spotlight these days. It’d be wise to keep your guard up, with people and with situations.”

Elodie had no choice but to pause and glance back at him.

Jarrod met her gaze, his expression unreadable, his voice casual. “Watts.”