The professor didn''t answer her.


    He was probably still upset with her.


    Elodie knew she couldn''t rush things-hearts didn''t turn cold overnight.


    After years spent struggling in a loveless marriage, she understood that feeling all too well.


    Later, on her way to meet a client, Elodie unexpectedly ran into Jarrod.


    He''d just arrived at the entrance to the event hall, where a staff member greeted him.


    For once, Sylvie wasn''t at his side, which was a surprise.


    Jarrod noticed Elodie, too. He nced over with anguid, unreadable look in his eyes dark and inscrutable.


    Elodie subtly frowned.


    Was it just her, or was Jarrod''s gaze on her a little odd today?


    Normally, he would have ignored herpletely, never granting her so much as a second look.


    She didn''t greet him, just walked straight into thepany building.


    There was no point, anyway. Even if she tried, he''d never respond-only leave her standing there, embarrassed.


    Back at VistaLink Technologies, Elodie finally learned from Alexander that Mr. Patrick had replied. He considered their three-year n feasible and agreed to make them a priority project for support.


    The tension in Elodie''s chest eased, and for once, she allowed herself a small smile.


    Then Alexander added, with a knowing look, "There''s one more thing."


    "Sylvie got a polite rejection from Mr. Patrick''s side."


    Elodie felt nothing in particr. Ever since she''d heard that Jarrod brought Sylvie


    to meet Mr. Patrick, she knew they werepetitors. VistaLink Technologies had won-Sylvie''s fate was inevitable.


    Still...


    Elodie''s elegant brows twitched slightly.


    She suddenly recalled the way Jarrod had looked at her earlier.


    He and Sylvie must have learned the oue before she did. No wonder he''d actually spared her a nce.


    Did he think she''d stolen Sylvie''s opportunity?


    "What''s on your mind?" Alexander, in high spirits, turned to ask.


    Elodie snapped out of it and shook her head. "Nothing. I''ll send you the revised n for this morning''s meeting in a bit."


    That afternoon, Elodie felt a dull ache behind her eyes and touched her forehead -it seemed a bit warm.


    She took a painkiller and nned to rest for a while.


    Just a few minutester, her phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number. Elodie hesitated, then answered, "Hello?"


    "Is this Miss Elodie?" a voice asked.


    "Yes, speaking."


    "We''re from the agency. There''s a buyer interested in viewing the gallery under your mother''s name. Would you be avable to meet?"


    Elodie frowned. "I''m not selling. You must have the wrong person."


    She hung up, dismissing it as just another scam call, and went back to the pile of unfinished work on her desk.


    Half an hourter, to her surprise, Jarrod''s name shed on her screen.


    He rarely contacted her; whenever he did, it was to demand something-never a


    real conversation, just orders passed down.


    Elodie had never liked that dynamic.


    She pressed her lips together and picked up.


    His voice was calm and distant: "Do you have a moment to talk?"


    Elodie replied coolly, "No."


    He seemed a bit taken aback, pausing for a moment.


    "All right," Jarrod said, voice steady, and hung up without hesitation.


    No further questions, no attempt to persuade her.


    Elodie frowned faintly, a sense of unease tugging at her.


    But with so much work still waiting, she pushed the feeling aside.