Only then did Jarrod nce down with casual indifference and say, "Fine."


    Elodie hadn''t even noticed when Jarrod and Sylvie slipped away.


    Up ahead, the formalities had begun-guests stepped forward one after another, offering gifts and birthday cards.


    More guests continued to arrive, drifting in by small groups.


    Alexander pointed toward different corners of the room. "These are the key people we should be connecting with tonight."


    Elodie understood that the Warwick family''s birthday celebration had drawn out many of the heavyweights from their circle. In high society,working was everything; these events oftenid the foundation for future coborations. Flexibility was the name of the game in business.


    She''d already familiarized herself with brief profiles of some of the attendees.


    Following Alexander''s lead, she moved through the crowd, ss in hand.


    Alexander scanned the room, then lowered his voice. "Omnitech was one of the first domesticpanies to do this kind of research-they''re solid. It''d be good for us to meet Mr. ck; could help our future prospects."


    Elodie nodded in understanding.


    She set about spotting Mr. ck in the crowd.


    Eventually, in a quiet corner, she caught sight of him—and was surprised to see Jarrod and Sylvie already in conversation with him.


    So Jarrod had beaten them to the punch.


    Alexander joined her, immediately taking in the scene and frowning. "Looks like Jarrod''s introducing Sylvie andunching their Neural Intelligence project ahead of schedule."


    Thepany wasn''t even fully set up, and they were already paving the way!


    With Jarrod''s connections, Sylvie''s Neural Intelligence project had a rock-solid foundation from day one.


    When VistaLink Technologies had been starting out, they''d built their reputation the hard way, relying entirely on technical excellence.


    But now, with someone like Jarrod backing Neural Intelligence, the project was practically guaranteed a grand debut.


    Jarrod really did have every angle covered for Sylvie.


    "No worries," Elodie decided briskly, "let''s go meet some of the others first. Neural Intelligence is Jarrod''s investment too, after all. It''s only natural he''d want to introduce Sylvie to the big yers."


    Alexander checked his watch. "Let''s split up, then. We don''t want to miss any good opportunities."


    Elodie had no objections.


    She set her sights on Mr. Dale, who ran one of the leading opticspanies.


    Approaching him, she offered her hand. "Mr. Dale, hello-I''m Elodie Thorne, an engineer with VistaLink Technologies."


    Mr. Dale, clearly in a hurry, paused when he heard her name. "Elodie?"


    He''d heard about the hot new project at VistaLink Technologies and recalled seeing her name attached, though he''d never met her before-probably just one of their rising but lesser-known talents.


    If that was the case, he could always have a more in-depth conversation with Mr. Sterlingter on.


    He offered an apologetic smile. "Ms. Thorne, would you mind waiting a moment? I''ve got something to take care of, but we can talk soon."


    Elodie hesitated, but could only nod politely.


    Mr. Dale wasted no time heading straight for Jarrod.


    He greeted Sylvie with an enthusiastic handshake. "Ms. Fielding, it''s a pleasure to finally meet you."


    Elodie, seeing this, was hardly surprised anymore. Her expression stayed calm.


    Being so close, Sylvie had clearly noticed Elodie''s attempt to introduce herself to Mr. Dale just now.


    Too bad.


    Mr. Dale had found a better option.


    Sylvie turned her attention back to Mr. Dale, lips curling in a cool, polite smile. "You tter me, Mr. Dale."


    Elodie caught the look Sylvie shot her, but she didn''t let it get to her. Without hesitation, she turned on her heel and walked away.


    In these circles, everyone yed to the crowd-especially with Jarrod standing next to Sylvie. Anyone would want to make their best impression on him first.


    Besides, Elodie''s real identity hadn''t been made public yet. That Mr. Dale didn''t think she was important enough was no surprise.


    As Elodie searched for Alexander again, she crossed paths with Joseph.


    He handed her a cup of steaming ginger tea. "Looking for Mr. Sterling?"


    Elodie nced at the tea he''d offered. With the weather so chilly outside, a hot drink was just what she needed no doubt the Warwick family had thought of everything.


    She nodded, her tone reserved. "Thank you."


    Joseph had seen her exchange with Mr. Dale a moment earlier.


    He paused, then met her gaze with quiet sincerity. "I''ll admit, I hadn''t looked closely at thetest VistaLink Technologies project before. But I''ve reviewed your recent work. It''s impressive. If the chance arises in the future, would you consider partnering up?"


    Elodie blinked, taken aback. She hadn''t expected Joseph to approach her-let alone offer an olive branch.


    In their world, people had questioned whether she deserved her role at VistaLink Technologies, some even doubting thepany''s credentials because of her.


    "Do you really mean that?" Elodie eyed him, wary.


    Joseph saw the guarded look in her eyes, and though he felt a pang of frustration, he nodded. "I believe in VistaLink Technologies. I believe in your abilities."


    He also believed that Elodie hadn''t used any backdoor connections or shortcuts, despite what others said. At least, her professionalism and the opinions he''d heard about her were all solid.


    This time, Elodie was genuinely surprised. She''d assumed Joseph, as one of Jarrod''s close friends, would naturally be rooting for Neural Intelligence instead.


    "If you''re genuinely interested, Mr. Dcroix, VistaLink Technologies would wee the opportunity," Elodie said. She still didn''t quite understand why Joseph was bypassing Neural Intelligence, but if he was sincere, she''d consider


    it.


    If their next project went live-and the opportunity was right—she''d keep him in mind.