Elodie had tagged her location at the Fairview Crossing Hotel on her social feed.


    Unfortunately, her grandmother saw it. Now, faced with her grandmother''s questioning, Elodie hesitated, unsure how to respond. "We... we''re attending the same event," she finally managed.


    She didn''t rify whether they''de together-mostly because, truthfully, she hadn''t known Jarrod''s schedule before arriving. And besides, Jarrod was there with Sylvie. That was definitely not something her grandmother needed to know.


    Her grandmother''s smile widened. "That''s wonderful! You two should spend a few extra days out there, treat it like a little vacation. Good for your marriage-every couple needs time away together."


    Elodie offered a faint, nomittal smile and didn''t reply.


    There was so much her grandmother didn''t know. With Sylvie around, Jarrod barely had time for Elodie, let alone for "bonding." She didn''t even know which room he was staying in.


    "And where''s Jarrod? Why isn''t he with you?" her grandmother pressed.


    Elodie thought for a moment, then answered, "He''s still at a business dinner. He''ll probably be back at the hotelter."


    At that, her grandmother frowned, her tone sharp. "Business dinners, business dinners-does he really need to go to so many? He''d be better off spending time with you!"


    "It''s all right, Grandma," Elodie replied quietly.


    Especially since Jarrod was busy paving the way for Sylvie-nothing could be more important to him.


    Her grandmother sighed. "All right. When he gets back, call me on video so I can give him a piece of my mind! It''s settled. Now, you get some rest, sweetheart."


    Elodie wanted to refuse, but her grandmother had already hung up.


    With a sigh, she pressed her fingers to her forehead, exasperated. Still, she didn''t dwell on it, setting her phone aside and returning to her presentation slides.


    At the g.


    Charlie hadn''t left yet.


    He''d flown in today, mainly as a favor to Jarrod. The young man was bold and decisive, having just dropped a cool two hundred million to support the national space program-Charlie couldn''t exactly turn that down.


    The ballroom shimmered withughter and clinking sses, but Charlie was never one for small talk. He''d already instructed Alexander to politely handle several waves of guests on his behalf.


    It wasn''t until Jarrod arrived with Sylvie that Charlie subtly sized up the pair.


    Sylvie smoothed the hem of her dress and greeted him graciously. "Dr. Carter, it''s such an honor to meet you. I actually specialize in aerospace engineering as well would you mind if I asked you a few questions?"


    Charlie adjusted his sses and looked her over. "I heard from Mr. Silverstein that youpleted your PhD abroad."


    Sylvie smiled. "That''s right. I did abined master''s and doctoral program. Thanks to your leadership, our country''s aerospace industry is making huge strides."


    Sheid on the ttery, but it was also true.


    Alexander, standing nearby with a ss of wine, stayed silent.


    Just as Elodie had said, if Sylvie really managed to impress the old man, no amount of Alexander''s words would matter. He might as well just wait and see.


    Jarrod, for his part, seemed perfectly at ease, epting toasts andpliments from those around him. He left Sylvie to her conversation with Charlie, clearly trusting her abilities.


    "That''s a reputable school," Charlie said, nodding, his expression mild. "Since you''ve graduated with a doctorate, tell me about the projects you worked on during your internship."


    Alexander recognized Charlie''s tone-it meant Charlie remained unconvinced.


    Sylvie handed her phone to Charlie. "Last year, I participated in the development of this drone, released by Vanguard Innovations. You''re probably familiar with thepany."


    Charlie nced at the screen. "So, you weren''t the lead researcher?"


    Sylvie paused, then nodded. "I hadn''t graduated at the time, so I worked alongside my mentor. But the concept was my idea-I coborated closely with my team."


    She was young, but already had experience with a Fortune 500pany. She knew her strengths-few her age couldpete.


    "Not bad," Charlie said, looking away.


    Sylvie maintained a polite smile, but a quiet pride flickered in her eyes.


    Then, Charlie added, "But it''s just average. I once knew someone who, at twenty, was already leading a team developing defense technology. She was recruited straight into the industry. Ms. Fielding,pared to her at your age, you''re not exactly ahead of the curve."