Sylvie''s words were, in a way, perfectly reasonable.


    After all, everyone at the table was a businessperson, and the investment world was known for its stringent and intricate project evaluations.


    From her perspective, if VistaLink Technologies truly had the backing of someone as distinguished as Professor Charles Sterling, it would be a shame to let an unknown neer jeopardize the project''s prospects.


    Elodie met Sylvie''s gaze with a cold, steady look, then calmly turned away.


    "That''s really an internal matter for VistaLink Technologies to worry about," she said, her voice cool and measured-devoid of any discernible emotion, yet cutting straight to the heart of the issue.


    Sylvie hesitated, a flicker of surprise shing across her eyes.


    Even Jarrod, sitting across the table, watched Elodie''sposed face with a look that was hard to decipher. He narrowed his eyes slightly but chose not toment.


    Grady and Naylor exchanged nces, both clearly caught off guard by how effortlessly Elodie had tossed the question back at them.


    Naylor frowned a little. Was this really the way to address potential investors?


    Grady, for his part, softened his tone, offering a half-smile that was as much a probe as it was a pleasantry. "Mr. Sterling, everyone knows your engineers and technical staff at VistaLink Technologies are all graduates of the top schools. Their expertise isn''t in question. But as far as I''m aware, Ms. Thorne only holds a bachelor''s degree. If she''s joining the project team-and sharing the rewards-do the others have noints?"


    Everyone knew how much blood, sweat, and sleepless nights went into a project like this. Who would want to see an outsider walk away with a share of the sess?


    Naylor considered this, then added with a polite smile, "Mr. Sterling, you''re seeking funding, and it''s only natural that the teamposition falls within the scope of our due diligence. It''s understandable that people are confused."


    Alexander nced over at Elodie, feeling a rare stab of frustration. The confidentiality period for the UN.2 defense project, which Elodie had co- developed, hadn''t yet expired-still about six months to go. And yes, on paper, Elodie only had a bachelor''s degree. No matter how much he vouched for her, people who already dismissed her as little more than a housewife would never believe she could hold her own.


    "I can appreciate your concerns," Alexander said, his tone even but firm. "It''s only natural to be cautious about investing. But Elodie''s name is officially on the team. If any of you have doubts, then maybe this just isn''t the right opportunity for us to work together."


    His message was crystal clear: he''d rather walk away from the deal thanpromise on Elodie''s ce.


    Naylor''s eyes widened in surprise.


    All this for Elodie?


    Alexander was seriously willing to pass up a major investment, just like that?


    In other words, it wasn''t up to the investors to decide whether they still wanted in after questioning VistaLink Technologies'' decisions. Alexander had simply turned them down.


    How impulsive!


    Sylvie gave Alexander a long, searching look. She''d always admired his capabilities—the best of his generation, son of the legendary Professor Charles Sterling-but she hadn''t expected him to stand so firmly by Elodie''s side.


    Jarrod, meanwhile, let his gaze linger on Elodie for a few seconds. The real issue here was obvious-and it revolved around her.


    Alexander waved a hand. "We''re all busy. Let''s leave it for another time."


    Elodie nodded politely, then walked out with Alexander.


    Grady stared after them, dumbfounded. "I thought Mr. Sterling would at least sit down with Mr. Silverstein to discuss the terms. Mr. Silverstein has no qualms about the investment amount, and now Alexander just walks away with Elodie?" "Frankly, it''s reckless." He scowled.


    Sylvie mused aloud, "Are Mr. Sterling and Ms. Thorne really that close already?"


    He was willing to drop the entire investment conversation for her? That was surprising. She''d expected Alexander to at least try to negotiate.


    Naylor nced at Sylvie and nodded in agreement.


    Who would have guessed that Alexander Sterling was the type to let his heart override his head?


    Sylvie pressed her lips together, still stunned by the sight of Elodie''s name listed as a lead on the VistaLink Technologies project—having that kind of credit just by staying at Alexander''s side.


    Atst, she gave a breezy littleugh. "It''s alright. VistaLink Technologies'' funding issues won''t be solved overnight. Sooner orter, Mr. Sterling wille around."