Watts was in a good mood. He nced at his friend list and saw that Elodie was already there. The corners of his lips lifted, his eyes bright. "Next time, let''s catch up if we get the chance," he said.


    Elodie didn''t sense anything unusual. She just nodded politely at his words.


    Watts had something to take care of and left first.


    Elodie headed downstairs.


    Alexander caught up with her. "The old man had to rush back to the institute- something urgent came up. So, it''ll just be the rest of us for dinner."


    She nodded in response.


    The institute was a demanding ce; the senior fellows always had to keep an eye on things. Besides, it was rare for someone of his status to join social gatherings anyway.


    The dinner had been arranged by Klein, who''d already sent them the restaurant''s location.


    It was an understated, members-only spot-one of those ces that prized discretion.


    As they arrived, Elodie noticed a sleek Maybach already parked out front. She nced at it, then looked away.


    Alexander clicked his tongue. "Jarrod really does have some sway. These past couple of years, he''s gotten close with the defense sector. Their cooperation''s been seamless, and Klein knows it he can''t outright refuse him."


    Elodie remained silent, but she understood. Jarrod was always calcting. Inside the private dining room, they found Jarrod and Sylvie already seated. A few more business leaders had joined as well. What was meant to be an informal dinner had, thanks to Jarrod''s involvement, be a business affair.


    Jarrod sat at Klein''s left, Sylvie beside him.


    When Elodie and Alexander arrived, Klein waved them over. "Elodie, sit here."


    Jarrod''s gaze flickered up, lingering on Elodie as she took the seat to Klein''s right, with Alexander next to her. He watched for a moment, then looked down and took a slow sip of herbal tea.


    Sylvie nced over, frowning. She couldn''t help but feel that Klein''s interest in Elodie went far beyond professional courtesy. Inviting her to sit so close-she didn''t get it.


    "We''ll skip the wine tonight," Klein announced, pouring tea for everyone. "Let''s just enjoy some tea together." He''d never been a fan of boozy dinners, especially with young women present-no need to put anyone on the spot.


    He looked at Elodie, a hint of regret in his eyes. He''d hoped to introduce her to Naylor properly, but with so many people here now, some things were better left unsaid. Still, at least they could meet.


    He shot Alexander a nce, then shifted the conversation to recent developments in tech.


    Sylvie smiled graciously, picking up the thread. "The tech sector back home has really matured. New talent is emerging all the time. At Neural Intelligence, we''re focusing more on defense-grade quality and advanced systems in theing months. We hope to contribute as much as we can."


    Klein finally looked at her, his eyes flicking discreetly to Jarrod. Jarrod sat calmly, sipping his tea, content to let Sylvie handle the conversation.


    Klein nodded slowly. "Neural Intelligence, you say?"


    Sylvie''s smile brightened as she introduced thepany-highlighting their talent pool, hardware capabilities, and every impressive detail.


    It was all quite impressive, but...


    Klein, still smiling, cut straight to the point. "Ms. Fielding, are you one of Mr. Silverstein''s people?"


    Sylvie froze, her smile faltering for an instant. Embarrassment flickered across her face. She couldn''t understand how Klein hade to that conclusion.


    Alexander tried to stifle augh, shooting Elodie a look.


    Elodie merely arched an eyebrow, surprised by Klein''s bluntness. Maybe he


    hadn''t meant anything by it, but to anyone listening, it sounded like a real slight- especially since everyone knew Sylvie was Jarrod''s "special confidante."