Putting everything else aside, the fact that Jarrod brought Sylvie to an academic conference of this caliber-introducing her to top international scholars and letting her mingle at a level she’d never normally reach-really showed how invested he was in grooming his future Mrs. Silverstein.

Elodie herself hadn’t expected to be called out as an example.

But honestly, she was more preoccupied with wondering when she’d hear back about the third paper she’d submitted recently.

Alexander glanced toward the other side of the room. “Come on, I’ll introduce you to Professor Steene.”

Elodie nodded.

After all, she’d kept a low profile ever since the development of U.N2, only recently starting to gain recognition in the field. It was no surprise that many people didn’t know who she was.

Meanwhile, Sylvie made her way over to Jarrod.

She found him still seated, eyes fixed on the conference screen where the research paper was still displayed.

“Jarrod?” Sylvie settled in beside him, catching the author’s name—El Thorne— out of the corner of her eye. “That name kind of looks like Elodie’s, doesn’t it?”

She wasn’t sure which letters, exactly, but the similarity was there.

Jarrod nodded mildly. “It does.”

Still, Sylvie was convinced there was no connection to Elodie. Five years ago, Elodie had barely been out of school-how could she possibly have written something at this level? Besides, if Elodie had been involved, she wouldn’t have been a nobody all these years, content to play the role of housewife.

Clearly, there was no way the two could be related.

Relaxing, Sylvie smiled. “Honestly, I didn’t follow much of that paper today. I’ll probably ask my advisor to help me download it when I get back home so I can study it more closely.”

She didn’t have direct access to the full text, so she’d either have to buy it or get her advisor’s help.

She was also genuinely curious about this mysterious author who’d never made a public appearance.

“Mm, it’s definitely worth digging into,” Jarrod replied, finally pulling his attention from the screen and rising to his feet.

Professor Steene was a giant in applied sciences, with research spanning bioengineering and beyond. Internationally, he was a renowned figure.

Steene knew Alexander by reputation son of the legendary Charlie Sterling. They’d met a couple of times before, so when Alexander approached, Steene spread his arms in a warm embrace. “Alexander! It’s been too long!”

He had always been fond of Alexander, and despite being nearly sixty, Steene was anything but stuffy-his enthusiasm was infectious.

“Professor Steene, it’s great to see you again,” Alexander greeted him, then quickly turned to introduce his companion. “This is Elodie, one of our engineers at VistaLink Technologies. She’s the mind behind the flight control system you’ve heard so much about.”

Now that Elodie was stepping back into the spotlight, Alexander was determined

to give her the recognition she deserved.

Steene’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Ms. Thorne, I had no idea you were so young-and charming, too.”

Elodie shook his hand with poise. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Professor Steene.”

Steene was eager to discuss her

system, and after a few minutes of

technical conversation, his

admiration for Elodie was obvious.

She was, quite frankly, in a different league than any of his current students.

Before they parted, Steene extended an invitation. “Are you two free this evening?

I’d love to have you join me for dinner.”

He wanted to catch up with Alexander and continue picking Elodie’s brain.

Alexander shook his head apologetically. “I’m afraid we have an emergency meeting tonight. Maybe next time.”

Steene waved it off, unfazed. “No worries. Actually, I’m getting married here tomorrow-my wife’s from New York. Why don’t you both come to the wedding?”

Alexander blinked in surprise.

After all, if he remembered correctly, this would be Steene’s fourth wedding. Each one had been as grand as the last.

At nearly sixty, Professor Steene was as passionate about love as he was about research.

“We’d be honored,” Alexander replied.

Just as he spoke, Jarrod and Sylvie approached.

Steene spotted Jarrod and grinned. “Mr. Silverstein, are you free? Why not join us for the wedding tomorrow?”

Jarrod glanced briefly at Alexander, then at Elodie, and nodded. “It would be my pleasure.”