Naylor immediately reached out to shake his hand. "VistaLink Technologies has justunched a major new project. Mr. Sterling, you must be in high demand these days-everyone''s attention is on you wherever you go."


    Jarrod offered Alexander a polite nod. "Mr. Sterling."


    Alexander, ever the diplomat, returned the gesture with a cordial smile. "I''m managing. Now that we''ve partnered up with Mr. Silverstein''s Nexus Analytics, and with the caliber and professionalism of Nexus''s team, I haveplete confidence in the project-they hardly need me worrying over them."


    Thatment...


    Sylvie instinctively furrowed her brow.


    Jarrod remained unfazed. "Naturally. You can rest assured, Mr. Sterling."


    Naylor nced between the two men, then leaned in to speak quietly with Alexander. "I understand the new VistaLink project needs cutting-edge materials and coboration across multiple sectors. Mr. Sterling, have you considered TerraCore Technologies?"


    This was something both his mother and father had urged him about-best to seize the opportunity while itsted.


    Even if he didn''t always approve of how VistaLink Technologies operated, or the way some executives let an assistant call the shots, the potential of this project was undeniable.


    Alexander made all the right noises. "Absolutely. TerraCore Technologies is right at the top of the field. But this is a major decision-I''ll need to discuss it with the other shareholders before I can get back to you, Mr. Whitaker."


    Naylor''s brows knitted slightly.


    Alexander,cking decision-making power? That was the oldest excuse in the book.


    "Everyone''s here, I see." A middle-aged man with amanding presence strode over and stopped beside Naylor. "Mr. Silverstein, Mr. Sterling-it''s been a while." Jarrod''s expression softened into a faint smile. "Mr. Whitaker. It has been a while."


    Alexander, upon seeing Klein Whitaker, straightened up a little. This was a major figure in the defense sector-and Naylor''s father, no less.


    "And who might this youngdy be?" Klein''s gazended on Sylvie.


    Sylvie met his eyes,posed and poised. "Hello, Mr. Whitaker. I''m Sylvie Fielding. I studied aerospace engineering and just returned from Verdania."


    Naylor chimed in, "Ms. Fielding is top of her field-she did herbined master''s and PhD at Pinecrest Institute of Technology. There aren''t many women in this industry with her credentials."


    Sylvie smiled politely, still projecting humility.


    Klein shot Naylor an approving look, then nodded, enlightened. "Mr. Silverstein''s girlfriend, I presume?"


    He''d noticed Sylvie linked arm-in-arm with Jarrod—clearly more than just colleagues.


    Alexander''s eyes paused ever so briefly on Jarrod. He couldn''t help but wonder if Jarrod had brought Sylvie here today specifically to meet Mr. Whitaker. Most


    people didn''t know Klein would be attending, but Jarrod likely did.


    Before either Jarrod or Sylvie could respond, Klein turned to Naylor with a chuckle. "See, Mr. Silverstein has a thriving career and an aplished partner. Maybe it''s time you started thinking about your own future, too."


    Naylor gave a sheepish cough, a little embarrassed.


    Klein was a busy man; squeezing in time to drop by today was no small thing. He nced at his watch and made no attempt to pry into the business negotiations swirling around. "I have another appointment. I''ll leave you all to talk."


    Naylor walked him out to the door.


    As they reached the entrance, Klein looked back inside. "VistaLink Technologies has real potential. Do your best to cultivate a good rtionship with Mr. Sterling. There''s a chance VistaLink Technologies might branch into defense contracts down the line."


    Naylor thought back to Alexander''s evasive attitude earlier and couldn''t help rubbing his forehead. "I''ll do my best."


    Klein nodded, his gaze sharp and authoritative. Suddenly, he asked, "You have high standards, huh? Are you interested in someone like Ms. Fielding?"


    Naylor couldn''t help butugh and shake his head. "Dad, where''d you get that idea?"


    Just before getting in his car, Klein pped him on the shoulder. "The lead engineer on the U.N2 integrated drone project is ssified, but rumor has it she''s


    a young woman. If you ever get the chance, maybe I''ll make an introduction." Naylor stared in astonishment.


    He hadn''t expected a bombshell like that-the mastermind behind U.N2 was a young woman?


    Back inside the hall.


    Alexander''s phone buzzed-it was Elodie calling.


    After a brief exchange, Alexander''s expression turned serious.


    On the other end, Elodie''s tone was cool and measured. “Since Nexus Analytics and Sylvie''s side both have objections to VistaLink Technologies'' requirements, and feel VistaLink''s leadership is too idealistic about the project''s direction, it''s clear there''s a fundamental disconnect. VistaLink Technologies won''t waste time trying to force this partnership."


    "It''s simple: either change the project lead, or terminate the coboration."