"Ms. Thorne, a pleasure." The gentleman greeted Elodie with polite formality, but nothing more. He exchanged no professional pleasantries, merely acknowledged her and turned away,unching into a spirited conversation with Alexander about the future of the industry and thetest waves of technological change.


    In this field, it was mostly men, and so the women were, inevitably, sidelined. Prejudice always seemed to get there first.


    Elodie had expected as much. She remainedposed, listening quietly as the men talked shop.


    Alexander leaned over to her, lowering his voice. "See that man in the gray suit by the main entrance? He''s a senior official. Getting the inside scoop on uing policy is crucial, and he''s the key yer tonight. We need to make a strong impression."


    Elodie hadn''t realized there would be people of such stature here. Suddenly, the true value of this evening became clear. Alexander led her through the crowd toward the gray-suited man.


    The official noticed Alexander approaching and greeted him warmly, "Mr. Sterling, it''s been far too long."


    But before Alexander could introduce Elodie, amotion rippled from the entrance.


    Elodie turned her head in time to see Sylvie gliding in on Jarrod''s arm, exchanging elegant greetings with the small circles forming around them.


    The moment Jarrod entered, the powerful men who''d been mingling with effortless confidence moments earlier now turned, delighted, and moved toward him and Sylvie.


    Elodie couldn''t help but notice what the pair were wearing. Sylvie''s dress was a striking shade of green, not unlike Elodie''s own, its neckline studded with a cascade of glittering stones that shimmered under the chandeliers. Even Jarrod''s pocket square was an exact match for Sylvie''s gown.


    It was a subtle, unmistakable disy of unity.


    Elodie''s own matching suit for Jarrod he had never once worn it. Now, her lips twisted into a wry, self-mocking smile. Her vision blurred for a moment. Three years-was she the punchline, or was it just that she was never worth enough?


    Alexander nced at her. She hadn''t betrayed any emotion, but still, something about her silence unsettled him.


    Soon, it became clear Jarrod and Sylvie were making their way toward them. Alexander frowned, catching on to Jarrod''s intentions.


    As Jarrod approached, his eyes flickered to Elodie''s dress-he hesitated, just a fraction.


    Elodie caught the look. The three of them wore nearly identical shades, but in this context, it only made Elodie look like an awkward interloper.


    Sylvie barely spared Elodie a nce, focusing instead on Alexander and the senior official.


    Jarrod greeted them, "Mr. Patrick, Mr. Sterling."


    Mr. Patrick turned to Jarrod, curiosity piqued. "And who''s this with you, Mr. Silverstein?"


    Jarrod dipped his head. "This is Sylvie. She specializes in aerospace research and just earned her PhD abroad. She''s exceptional-truly top-tier."


    He introduced Sylvie with effortless poise, never once acknowledging Elodie, not even with a nod. He acted as if she were aplete stranger.


    A deliberate, calcted distance.


    Mr. Patrick raised his brows. "So young?"


    Sylvie smiled graciously. "You''re too kind, Mr. Patrick."


    He seemed genuinely interested. "Why don''t you join me for a chatter? I''d like to hear your thoughts."


    With Jarrod''s endorsement, no one would dare underestimate Sylvie. Mr. Patrick, in fact, seemed to believe that anyone Jarrod valued must be extraordinary.


    In a buoyant mood, he turned to Alexander. "Let''s catch up in a bit." Alexander nodded politely, but once Mr. Patrick moved on, his expression cooled.


    What was Jarrod ying at? He''d cut in at thest moment-just as Alexander was about to introduce Elodie and give her a much-needed chance to reestablish herself. Jarrod had swept in with Sylvie, immediately stealing the spotlight.


    "Mr. Sterling, as you know, first-rate talent is hard toe by. My previous offer still stands—perhaps you should reconsider. Sylvie won''t let you down." Jarrod''s tone was smooth, unhurried.


    Sylvie nced at Elodie, who stood quietly, then turned to Alexander. "Mr. Sterling, I promise to deliver exceptional results."


    Alexander hadn''t realized Jarrod was so taken with Sylvie-and made no effort to spare Elodie''s feelings.


    For the first time, Alexander truly understood how difficult things were for Elodie.


    Still, everyone here wore the same mask. "Of course, Ms. Fielding. Your credentials speak for themselves. I''ll give it serious thought."


    In this world, appearances were everything. People exchanged pleasantries, but rarely kept their promises.


    Jarrod seemed to catch Alexander''s drift and, with a barely perceptible nce at Elodie, gave the impression he''d just proven her influence-Alexander would do as she asked.


    Elodie frowned at him, but Jarrod had already looked away, guiding Sylvie toward the next circle of eager admirers.


    Their corner of the room was soon bustling with attention-warm, engaged, nothing like the dismissiveness shown to Elodie.


    Her ns, so carefullyid, were unraveling. With Jarrod at her side, Sylvie was


    the star of the evening, the person everyone wanted to know.


    No matter how aplished Elodie was, no one was willing to risk missing out on


    a connection with Jarrod just to hear her story.