Joseph couldn''t hide the shock on his face any longer.


    Could it be...?


    Was Elodie''s name listed on the VistaLink Technologies project because she genuinely contributed to its development—not because Alexander pulled strings to give her credit?


    The idea hit him like a sledgehammer, echoing in his mind and crowding out all other thoughts.


    He sat there, lost in contemtion for a long while.


    It wasn''t until Freya nudged him that he finally snapped out of it and drove her to school.


    Right on cue, his phone rang. It was Maurice, asking him toe by The Silverstein Group.


    Joseph hesitated for a moment before agreeing.


    When he arrived, he headed straight for the top floor.


    He was surprised to find Sylvie there as well. Suspicion flickered in his eyes.


    Across the office, Jarrod was seated on the sofa, flipping through a stack of documents.


    Aside from Maurice and Sylvie, there were two other well-dressed men in suits.


    "What took you so long?" Maurice called out, ncing over. Then, with a smirk, he teased, "Don''t tell me you''re hiding a secret romance from us?"


    Sylvie turned her gaze slowly toward Joseph, studying his reaction. "Is that true?" she asked, her tone light but curious.


    Even Jarrod looked up from his paperwork.


    But Joseph''s expression didn''t change. "No," he replied simply.


    Sylvie raised an eyebrow, unsurprised.


    Joseph was different from Maurice. Maurice had dated a few people here and there, but Joseph was famously particr when it came to rtionships-his standards were high, and his expectations even higher. If he ever did get serious about someone, it would mean she was truly exceptional—and he''d have introduced her to them by now.


    But the truth was, Joseph had no such intentions.


    He didn''t bother to dwell on the subject, ncing thoughtfully at Jarrod instead.


    If his guess was right—if Elodie really had been involved in the development of the VistaLink Technologies project-should he bring it up to Jarrod?


    Did Jarrod know already?


    And if he didn''t, what would happen if he found out? Would it change the aftermath of his and Elodie''s divorce?


    Sensing Joseph''s gaze, Jarrod looked up, casually meeting his eyes. "What''s on your mind?"


    The moment their eyes met, Joseph crushed the thought.


    He fiddled with his phone for a moment before shaking his head. "It''s nothing."


    He didn''t say a word more.


    After all, it was still just a theory-nothing confirmed yet.


    But he''d already decided: in future projects with VistaLink Technologies, he''d do his best to get involved.


    Trying to steer his mind elsewhere, Joseph asked, "So, what''s going on? Who are these two gentlemen?"


    Maurice, realizing Joseph wasn''t going to y along with the romance jokes, just shrugged, looking bored. "It''s good news for Sylvie Jarrod says it''s finally official, and we can announce it publicly."


    Meanwhile, Elodie returned to VistaLink Technologies, where the doctor had already scheduled her surgery for early June.


    She had no objections.


    Carrying a gift from Freya and Joseph upstairs, Elodie realized it was from one of the most exclusive luxury candle brands—a custom-made scent, if Joseph was to be believed, which was no small expense.


    It struck her as odd.


    She already felt indebted to Joseph for arranging the doctor''s appointment in the first ce. Now, with another gift from the siblings, she felt the scales tipping even further.


    She shook her head, deciding not to dwell on it.


    At three, she had a meeting scheduled, as well as an appointment to meet Mr. Ableson from the renewable energypany.


    She and Alexander headed to Global Trade za for their meeting.


    Mr. Ableson was eager to coborate and wholeheartedly agreed with the ideas Elodie had put forth.


    After an hour and a half of discussion, Mr. Ableson, visibly enthusiastic, suggested they continue over dinner.


    He picked a French restaurant just across from Global Trade za, in a bustling business district. The ce was right across from a gleaming office tower— impossible to miss.


    Seated by the window, Elodie nced out and spotted the building opposite.


    Noticing her gaze, Alexander leaned in with a grin. "Great location, isn''t it? I''ve been thinking—maybe it''s time for VistaLink Technologies to expand. We could just lease an entire building over there."