Chapter 81
The conference venue was just across the street from the hotel, a short walk
away.
By the next morning, Elodie was feeling much better; her throat no longer felt like it was being raked by glass, though she still took another dose of medicine just to be safe.
After the symposium, there would be a cocktail reception.
The event was scheduled to run from three in the afternoon until around nine in the evening.
Around midday, the doorbell rang.
When Elodie opened the door, she was surprised to find Ivan standing there.
“You look a bit pale,” Ivan said, frowning as he took in her makeup-free face and colorless lips. “Are you feeling alright?”
He reached out and pressed a hand to her forehead. “Did you remember to take your medicine? Want me to take you to the doctor?”
Elodie could tell from his eyes that his concern was genuine.
Still, she stepped back, avoiding his gaze. “Is there something you need?”
Ivan was the prospective son-in-law of The Jett Group, so it wasn’t unusual he’d attend an event like this.
Noticing her distant manner, Ivan’s brows drew together. After a moment, he handed her a gift box. “See if you like this. Tonight’s event is formal, and I thought you should have something appropriate this necklace suits you.”
Elodie’s eyes landed on the designer logo.
“I don’t need it,” she murmured, pressing her lips together.
Ivan wouldn’t take no for an answer and pressed the box into her hands. “You’re stubborn, just like when you were a kid. I also wanted to ask about your mother’s third memorial. If you’re planning anything significant, let me know ahead of time. I’ll come with you.”
Elodie was caught off guard-she hadn’t expected Ivan to remember.
Her mother had passed away the year before Elodie got married. This year marked the third anniversary.
Even Jarrod probably hadn’t kept track of the date.
“I’ll see you at the event later,” Ivan said, glancing at his phone as he
absentmindedly ruffled her hair before walking away.
It was clear to Elodie that, despite his genuine concern, there was a trace of perfunctory habit in his gestures.
So, she didn’t let herself read too much into it.
After closing the door, she opened the box for a peek.noveldrama
Inside was a crescent moon and star diamond necklace. As a child, Elodie had always been fascinated by space-she’d devoured astronomy books and even bought herself a telescope to gaze at the moon and stars.
No wonder Ivan had said it would suit her.
It was rare for him to remember her interests.
Elodie hesitated, frowning slightly. She didn’t really have any jewelry with her this trip, and certainly nothing suitable for a formal event.
In the end, she slipped into the evening gown Esmeralda had given her, did her makeup, fastened the necklace around her neck, and headed out.
Better to err on the side of being overdressed, she thought.
She arrived at the venue alongside Alexander.
The place was already filling up with industry leaders and professionals.
At the front of the grand hall, a massive screen displayed highlights of the year’s most outstanding projects.
Just as Elodie walked in, the footage shifted to the U.N2 Integrated Strike-and- Detection Drone, which was a featured topic for the day.
Alexander raised his brows. “See that? After all these years, you’re still leading the field. If you hadn’t taken time off for marriage, who knows where you’d be now.”
He rarely admired anyone-his father was one exception, and Elodie was another.
Truth be told, both he and his father had never been fans of Jarrod.
Elodie looked up at the big screen, feeling a faint ripple of emotion. She glanced around.
Many guests had paused to watch the U.N2 segment, their faces reflecting genuine admiration.
A small, wry smile tugged at her lips. At least, she thought, it’s not too late to reclaim herself.
“I’m going to check out the exhibits on the other side,” Elodie said, always keen to see what her peers were working on.
Alexander nodded. “Go ahead.”
As soon as Elodie walked away, a group of people gathered around Alexander. “Mr. Sterling, it’s been a while.”
“We’ve heard VistaLink Technologies is working on something new. Can you tell us what direction the project is taking?”
Alexander was used to this kind of attention. He smiled smoothly, “It’s been a while. Right now, the project is still in its early stages, so there’s nothing concrete to share just yet.”
Since nothing had been finalized or announced, he knew better than to say too much.
The others understood and, after a polite toast, someone added, “Your work on the Integrated Strike-and-Detection Drone was groundbreaking. Whatever you’re developing now is sure to raise the bar for the entire industry.”
“There are so few prodigies like you, Mr. Sterling. To have achieved such breakthroughs in your twenties, tackling technical hurdles no one else could our country’s aviation sector owes you a lot.”
Their flattery was sincere; the respect in their voices, unmistakable.