Alexander found the whole thing rather curious.


    He''d never met Watts before; their first encounter had been at the engagement party. Yet, Watts seemed remarkably interested in VistaLink Technologies.


    "Maybe I''m just... exceptionally charming?" Alexander quipped, indulging in a rare moment of self-ttery.


    Elodie ignored his little joke, cutting straight to the point. "Go on, then. It''s always good to share ideas with other tech people."


    With that, Alexander lowered his head and replied to Watts.


    Afterward, he shifted his attention to Jarrod, discussing the finer details of their joint bid.


    Alexander had expected Jarrod to be rather overbearing, the kind of man who wouldn''t easily give up control. To his surprise, Jarrod was approachable throughout the conversation, agreeing to every one of VistaLink''s requests without so much as a raised eyebrow.


    Elodie understood why.


    Jarrod didn''t care about how much of the military project''s profits Neural


    Intelligence could im this time. His real goal was to use this opportunity tounch Neural Intelligence into the broader market, toy a solid foundation for its future.


    He was thinking long-term for Sylvie.


    Of course, after this project, whether Sylvie could lead Neural Intelligence to steady sess with the path Jarrod had paved that was another matter altogether.


    Elodie was just as decisive. She and Alexander went over the contract, adding uses for breach of agreement and other rted liabilities.


    They wanted to make sure everything was airtight: every responsibility clearly defined, leaving no wiggle room for anyone to shirk their duties.


    Once the bid proposal was ready, it was time for the military''s bidding conference.


    The event was to be held at the Eldermere Civic Procurement Center.


    The weather was finally warming up.


    That day, Elodie wore a violet business suit-fitted at the waist with a slight peplum, paired with a tailored skirt. Understated but elegant, it struck the perfect bnce between formality and style.


    Representatives from all over the country had poured in.


    It was, in every sense, a gathering of industry heavyweights.


    Stepping into the main hall, Elodie quickly spotted the day''s most important figure.


    Eaton was making his way in, surrounded by a crowd.


    The location and attendee list for the conference were strictly confidential, save


    for essential personnel-no wonder there were security guards stationed at every entrance.


    Eaton caught sight of Elodie.


    Elodie gave Alexander a subtle nudge, and together, they went over to greet him.


    "Elodie, we meet again," Eaton greeted her warmly. The sharp edge he usually showed in public was softened here; it was clear he held her in high regard.


    Elodie smiled. "Mr. Aldridge, this is Alexander. I believe you''ve met."


    Alexander straightened, dropping his usualid-back demeanor. "It''s been a while, Mr. Aldridge."


    He rarely crossed paths with someone of Eaton''s stature; only his father had regr dealings with such people. Thest time Alexander had seen Eaton was during an event at the research institute years ago.


    Eaton pped Alexander on the shoulder. "Next time you''re free, let''s grab a drink. VistaLink Technologies is teeming with talent these days. With you and


    Elodie at the helm, I can only imagine what the future holds."


    "Thank you for your kind words," Alexander replied respectfully.


    Elodie smiled as well.


    Just then, amotion rippled through the hall.


    Over the murmur of the crowd, someone called out, "Mr. Silverstein."


    Alexander turned to look.


    At the entrance, Jarrod walked in side by side with Sylvie.


    Given Jarrod''s status, even the CEOs of majorpanies from all over the country recognized him instantly and hurried over to pay their respects.


    Sylvie, after months at Jarrod''s side, had grown adept at handling these high- profile asions; she slipped seamlessly into the scene.


    Jarrod soon noticed Elodie across the room.


    His dark eyes lingered on her for a moment. Today, her attire was elegant yet striking; even in such a formal setting, she drew more than a few nces from the men around.


    Jarrod paused, then shifted his gaze to Eaton, who stood opposite Elodie.


    Without hesitation, Jarrod led Sylvie through the crowd toward them.


    "Mr. Aldridge," Jarrod greeted, as calm and collected as ever.


    Eaton paused briefly, sizing him up.


    He knew all about the Silverstein family—their influence spanned every sector of the nation''s tech industry. Many government projects had seen close coboration with them. Their resources were formidable.


    Eaton nodded. "Mr. Silverstein."


    "The Silverstein Group is bidding as well?" he asked.


    Jarrod offered a faint smile, casually mentioning the key detail. "The Silverstein Group is assisting, but the primary bidder is Neural Intelligence."


    Elodie had anticipated this. Jarrod would never pass up a chance to introduce Sylvie to someone so influential.


    Sylvie, of course, recognized the dignitary before her; most people would never even get close. She couldn''t help but feel a flutter of excitement.


    She introduced herself with practiced poise. "Mr. Aldridge, I''m Sylvie. I represent Neural Intelligence. It''s an honor to meet you."


    Eaton finally turned to look at her.


    Standing beside Jarrod, Sylvie''s confidence and ambition were unmistakable. Eaton''s gaze flicked to Elodie, who stood quietly, her expression serene andposed.


    He already knew from Charlie that Jarrod and Elodie were married. Now, seeing Jarrod so distant from his own wife, standing instead with another woman in such a public disy-it was a jarring scene, even for him.


    Eaton didn''t bother to respond to Sylvie''s introduction. One hand sped behind his back, he simply nodded, cool and reserved.


    Whether he even remembered her name was anyone''s guess.


    He then turned to Elodie with warmth. "Elodie, I''ll let you get back to work. I''ll go on ahead."


    Elodie nodded gracefully. "Of course."


    Eaton was quickly swept away by his entourage.


    But Jarrod''s gaze lingered on Elodie, his thoughts unreadable.


    It was clear Eaton''s attitude toward Elodie was different.


    Sylvie, who had just been so confidently introduced, couldn''t help but notice the contrast. A flicker of disappointment crossed her face, but she soon understood.


    Mr. Aldridge''s coolness wasn''t personal; he simply didn''t know her well. Alexander, on the other hand, was Charlie''s only son. With Charlie''s extensivework, it was only natural that the Sterling family would enjoy close ties with leaders like Eaton.


    As long as Alexander was recognized, anyone standing beside him-Elodie included-would also be treated as someone special.


    Otherwise, what would give Elodie the standing to warrant Eaton''s special attention?