A dull ache pulsed at Elodie’s temples.

She hadn’t expected Jarrod to make such a drastic move so quickly, swooping in to poach VistaLink Technologies’ top engineers the moment the opportunity arose.

Sure, most of their tech staff had signed non-compete agreements, but if Jarrod really wanted to lure someone away, the threat of a penalty was hardly a deterrent.

“Was this Jarrod’s plan all along?!” Esmeralda fumed, her tone sharp. “He seemed so decent just now offering you shares and all. Turns out, it’s all smoke and mirrors! Classic good cop, bad cop.”

VistaLink Technologies had just pulled off a major win with their last project.

Elodie’s name was front and center on the credits, so it was only natural for Jarrod to assume she’d be spearheading future launches as well.

And with Neural Intelligence clearly positioned as VistaLink’s direct competitor, the battle lines were already being drawn. Jarrod wasn’t wasting any time—he was already making moves behind the scenes.

Was he really trying to dismantle VistaLink from the inside out?

Sabotage their momentum, and snatch away Elodie’s shot at reclaiming her reputation through the company’s success?

Was this his idea of post-divorce revenge?

Elodie’s chest tightened.

VistaLink wasn’t just her story-everyone here had poured their hearts into it. It wasn’t supposed to be a battlefield for her personal grievances.

But Jarrod’s calculated attention to Sylvie, and his secret attempts to lure away VistaLink’s people for Neural Intelligence, were only stoking Selma and her daughter’s ambitions.

Even though Elodie knew Jarrod couldn’t care less about the feud between the Thornes and Selma’s family, it still stung. He was willing to elevate them so publicly-even if it meant going head-to-head with her.

It felt like a slap in the face.

Shoving down her frustration, Elodie forced herself to focus. She turned to Alexander. “Who sent you that photo?”

If they hadn’t caught wind of this, they might have missed it altogether.

“One of my old classmates,” Alexander replied. “He was assigned to handle something over there and happened to stumble onto it.”

Elodie nodded, steadying herself. “We need to deal with this. Tomorrow, let’s sit down with Seymour and put everything on the table.”

Alexander agreed without hesitation.

Ever since the 20% options pool for Neural Intelligence was announced, he’d known it would shake up the industry.

The next morning.

Elodie arrived at the office early. Alexander was already waiting for her.

She didn’t bother with small talk, and called Seymour into her office straightaway.

Seymour noticed both Elodie and Alexander waiting for him, and immediately sensed what this was about. He waited quietly, bracing himself.

Elodie’s expression was calm, her voice even. “Let’s hear it.”

Seymour decided not to beat around the bush. “Yes, someone did reach out to me about Neural Intelligence. Ms. Thorne, the compensation packages there are the best in the business, hands down.”

Elodie didn’t waste any time. “You’ve decided to leave?”

Seymour fell silent.

He couldn’t deny it: VistaLink had huge potential, and was fast becoming the industry’s dark horse.

But Neural Intelligence was a brand-new venture. Their founding team would get generous compensation-and a real shot at equity.

He spoke candidly. “Everyone knows Ms. Fielding has the Silverstein Group behind her—Mr. Silverstein himself. Neural Intelligence is already launching at the scale VistaLink took years to build. I know you’re incredibly capable, Ms. Thorne, but individual talent only goes so far. In the end, it’s no match for Ms. Fielding’s advantage-the resources and influence Mr. Silverstein brings to the table.”

Elodie’s brows drew together, her eyes narrowing.

Alexander’s expression shifted, surprise flickering across his face.

He hadn’t expected Seymour to be so blunt.

Comparing Elodie to Sylvie, and implying she couldn’t measure up to someone riding Jarrod’s coattails?

Seymour seemed to have given up on pretense. “Ms. Fielding means everything to Mr. Silverstein and the Silverstein Group. He’ll make sure Neural Intelligence succeeds, no matter what. I’m just making the smart choice.”