Chapter 77
Elodie arched an eyebrow. “A business trip?”
Alexander gave a low chuckle. “The Fairview Crossing Aerospace Technology Conference-held every two years. The big names are all there, from across the country and around the world, not to mention all the major investors. So, what do you say? Interested?”
Elodie knew about the conference. For nearly a decade, Fairview Crossing had hosted this event, now one of the most prestigious in the field. Only the best engineers and technical experts received an invitation-it was the place to learn, exchange ideas, and network.
Opportunities like this didn’t come around often.
“I have a hunch my father might attend. Why not take the chance to talk to him? Today or tomorrow, let Esme help you pick out a dress-put it on the company card,” Alexander said grandly.
At that, Esmeralda’s earlier gloom evaporated. “Leave it to me! I guarantee you, Mr. Sterling’s date will steal the show!”
Without hesitation, Esmeralda swung the car toward the largest shopping mall in the city.
But after combing through the racks, she was unimpressed. The most expensive dresses in the stores barely cost a few thousand, hardly worthy of Elodie, in her opinion.
After two hours of searching, Esmeralda made up her mind. She’d lend Elodie her own showstopper-the dress she’d just had shipped in from abroad.
She made the call, and soon the dress was on its way.
It was a pale lavender mermaid gown, the fabric as luminous and airy as morning mist, the fitted waistline accentuating every curve. Under the lights, it shimmered with understated elegance-no fussy embellishments, just exquisite design.
“This is perfect for you. Wear it and be the star of the night!” Esmeralda beamed with satisfaction.
Elodie, knowing Esmeralda’s personality, didn’t protest.
For the trip to Fairview Crossing, Alexander’s assistant had already booked their hotel.
Elodie packed her things, and when she found the fertility charm her great-aunt had given her, she paused for a moment before tucking it away in the back of a drawer, deciding not to think about it anymore.
Elodie and Alexander flew out a day early.
It was her first time in Fairview Crossing. They were staying at the Bvlgari, a five- star hotel, and Alexander escorted her to the front desk to check in.
Only then did Elodie pull out her ID.
Suddenly, someone greeted her. “Elodie? What are you doing here?”
She turned to see Maurice, dragging his suitcase behind him.
He gave her a once-over, then nodded to Alexander. “Mr. Sterling, bringing someone to the conference?”
This event wasn’t just for industry giants; CEOs from major companies attended, too. With so many investment projects involved, running into acquaintances was inevitable.
“Small world,” Alexander replied with a polite smile.
Maurice raised an eyebrow, glancing at Elodie. “Just her, Mr. Sterling?”
Such a coveted spot, and he’d given it to Elodie, who barely knew the field? Didn’t
the other key members at VistaLink Technologies object?
“Bringing Elodie is more than enough,” Alexander replied airily, dodging the real question.
Elodie had no intention of making small talk.
Maurice let out a small laugh and moved aside to make a phone call.
A moment later, a group appeared at the hotel entrance.
Jarrod, Sylvie, and Grady.
Elodie pressed her lips together, quickly understanding that someone like Jarrod would, of course, be among the VIPs.
Jarrod spotted her, glanced her way without surprise, and simply nodded at Alexander. “Mr. Sterling, dinner tonight?”
Alexander looked apologetic. “I’m already booked, but maybe tomorrow? We’ll have more time then.”
Jarrod nodded in acknowledgment, then led Sylvie and the others into the elevator-without saying a word to Elodie.
Just as always, out in public, they were strangers.
Inside the elevator, Grady, who knew Elodie, frowned. “What’s going on with Mr. Sterling and Elodie? He brought an assistant and took up a spot? That’s some serious favoritism. Don’t tell me those rumors are actually true.”