At the Warwick family''s birthday celebration, he knew Naylor was also in attendance.


    Still, there was no guarantee that Naylor and Elodie had even spoken to each other.


    Maybe, if someone introduced them, the two young people might end up chatting? At the very least, they could be friends.


    Whether anything more came of it-well, that would be up to fate.


    He knew his son wasn''t the type to settle, nor was he a flirt.


    Charlie just kept his thoughts to himself.


    Eaton considered for a moment before clearing his throat. "You know, love and marriage are all about timing,patibility, and the right circumstances. What''s got you so worked up?"


    "You''re not in any hurry because your son is still young-marriage and kids are a long way off for him," Klein shot back.


    Charlie rapped his knuckles on the table. "Elodie''s situation isplicated. Plus, she''s still bound by a confidentiality agreement, so let''s keep things discreet-her background and her husband''s business aren''t for public discussion."


    Eaton and Klein understood perfectly.


    Charlie didn''t need to remind them.


    They were both busy men with more than enough on their tes. They didn''t have time to meddle.


    Klein especially understood-if something''s meant to be, let the kids figure it out themselves. At most, he could drop a subtle hint here or there.


    After sorting out a few technical issues, Elodie spoke with Alexander about the uing government procurement conference that Eaton had mentioned.


    He remembered his father talking about this particr senior official before. Now that the man wasing to meet Elodie in person, it was clear he had high hopes for VistaLink Technologies.


    A quick check confirmed the conference was scheduled for next week.


    If they could win the bid, VistaLink''s reach would expand dramatically.


    Alexander was all in-he fully supported going after this opportunity.


    "But this is a nationwide event," he said, frowning as he analyzed the situation. "Thepetition will be fierce. VistaLink''s odds aren''t exactly great."


    Elodie agreed.


    Still, if they pulled it off, the added publicity from a military endorsement could push VistaLink to the next level. There was no way she''d let this chance slip away.


    Wednesday morning.


    Rain had fallen overnight in Eldermere, leaving the air damp and bone-chilling.


    The joint project with Nexus Analytics was in its final phase, and they''d already set aunch date.


    There were still a few data points and performance issues that required on-site testing-nothing could be left to chance.


    As the project lead, Elodie needed to go to Nexus Analytics with Alexander to wrap up thest details.


    She found herself once again stepping into the Nexus Analytics Building.


    Alexander nced at her and joked, "You''re probably the most low-key majority shareholder this ce has ever seen. Honestly, we ought to hope Nexus Analytics keeps making money."


    After all, Elodie now held a real stake in thepany.


    When the time came to make big decisions, her share of management rights would be highly sought after.


    Even if Jarrod had poached one of their people, that was hardly reason to wish bankruptcy upon him.


    Before long, Jason came down to speak with Alexander about the remaining work.


    Elodie decided to head over to the 3D productb and check on the prototypes. She had to go from the main building across to the annex.


    The moment she stepped outside, a gust of wind hit her, the chill creeping right into her bones. She pulled her coat tighter around her.


    Just as she was about to cross the driveway, a ck-and-white Rolls Royce pulled up nearby.


    Jarrod got out and immediately spotted her standing by the door.


    His expression didn''t change—a cool, unreadable look beneath sharp brows.


    Elodie assumed he''d ignore her and head straight upstairs, but to her surprise, Jarrod walked directly toward her.


    She tensed.


    He looked her over and spoke with that familiar, unhurried tone. "Just got here?"


    Elodie wasn''t sure why he bothered to greet her.


    "Yeah." Her voice was even colder than usual; she hadn''t expected him to approach.


    Jarrod let his gaze linger on her pale profile, then nced at her thin coat. "Aren''t


    you cold? You''re barely dressed for this weather."


    This time, Elodie couldn''t help but frown at him, unsure what to make of his concern.


    Was that supposed to be caring?


    The whole thing felt absurd, so she turned as if to leave.


    Jarrod seemed to sense her impatience, but didn''t seem to care how distant or indifferent she was. Without another word, he slipped off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. "Keep it on. The temperature''s about to drop even more."


    Elodie hadn''t expected such a considerate gesture-she didn''t even have time to refuse.


    Before she knew it, the warmth of his coat, still carrying his body heat, settled over her shoulders.