He didn''t bother to exin. Without another word, he turned and strode deeper into the house.


    As he passed Elodie, he shot her a dissatisfied frown-an expression tinged with both regret and pain. Giving up your education to marry, only to be let down so thoroughly in the end! And now, right in front of her, hevished all his care and attention on some other woman, as if those three precious years of her youth had been wasted for nothing.


    Elodie shrank back a little, guilt flickering across her face.


    Naylor didn''t miss the look Charlie gave Elodie, a look that was unmistakably... disdainful. He had half-expected it, so he merely curled his lips in a knowing smirk. As Charlie disappeared into the parlor, Naylor joined the rest of the group.


    Predictably, everyone turned their curious gaze to Alexander. "Mr. Sterling, do you know what''s really going on? Does the professor actually have someone in mind? Come on, give us a hint."


    If there truly was some prodigy who''d caught the professor''s eye, they wanted an early introduction; recruiting talent for their ownpany would be the best oue.


    Sylvie frowned, her eyes fixed on Alexander as well. She was genuinely curious- what kind of extraordinary person could it be?


    Alexander arched an eyebrow, the hint of a mysterious smile ying at his lips. "All in good time. You''ll find out soon enough," he replied, giving nothing away.


    He had no intention of saying more. For one, the uing exam hadn''t even been scheduled yet; there was no need to make a fuss. For another, if he mentioned Elodie now, he doubted any of them would react positively. Better to wait until everything was settled-results spoke louder than promises.


    Everyone could sense Alexander''s stance.


    Jarrod, for his part, didn''t seem too concerned. He nced at the pensive Sylvie and handed her a ss of wine, his tone casual. "Take it easy. Nothing''s been decided yet."


    Sylvie managed a genuine, easy smile at his reassurance. "I know." She understood that someone like Mr. Charlie Sterling, a towering figure at the top of his field, was bound to be demanding-maybe even harsh. But next time, she''d prove herself so thoroughly that not even he could find fault.


    Naylor chimed in as well. "Of course the professor''s strict. Once he sees what you''re capable of, you''ll be fine. Your credentials and ability speak for themselves. No need to worry."


    Sylvie nced at him with a faint, appreciative smile. "Thank you, Mr. Whitaker."


    Elodie, meanwhile, had no intention of joining their conversation. She checked the time, contemting whether she should just head home and get back to her reading. She was about to mention this to Alexander when, out of the blue, Naylor turned to her with a seemingly friendly smile. "Come to think of it, Ms. Thorne, you''ve never told us-where did you graduate from? Bachelor''s, associate''s? What did you major in?"


    Elodie turned her head, her gaze cool as she met Naylor''s ndly inquisitive look. He made it sound like an innocent question.


    Jarrod shot Naylor a slow, sideways nce, then looked away, as if it didn''t concern him. Sylvie, now calmer, raised an eyebrow but kept silent.


    Alexander picked up on the subtle tension.


    Elodie''s voice was icy as she replied, "And since when are we such close friends, Mr. Whitaker? Why should I tell you anything?"


    Naylor''s brows shot up; he found her reply downright rude. But it dawned on him that her reaction was probably because she had something to hide—maybe her academic background wasn''t exactly impressive. And to think she''d just mocked Sylvie a moment ago?


    He shook his head, then looked at Alexander, trying to keep his tone tactful. "Just curious, that''s all. It''s just—the way the professor looked at Ms. Thorne when he left...he didn''t seem too pleased. Is he...unsatisfied with her?"


    Naylor was well aware of the rumors swirling around Alexander and Elodie. With such an important opportunity at stake, Alexander had brought Elodie along- perhaps to test the professor''s attitude. It was hardly surprising that the professor disapproved.


    In Naylor''s mind, there was no way Elodie would ever marry into the Sterling family.


    Sylvie caught on to Naylor''s implication and raised an eyebrow, silently agreeing. Of course, Alexander could see right through their gloating. He smiled slyly, then suddenly turned to Jarrod and Sylvie, feigning a look of realization. "Speaking of which, Mr. Silverstein, have you introduced Ms. Fielding to your family yet?"