VistaLink Technologies'' new product had only been on the market for less than a month, with plenty of follow-up work still to be done. That Friday, thepany was hosting a productunch event, ready to unveil new marketing strategies and ramp up promotion. There was more than enough to keep everyone busy.


    Elodie had thrown herself into work, barely pausing for breath. It wasn''t until Esmeralda and Alexander dropped by that evening, nudging her insistently, that she remembered she was supposed to check her exam results.


    Truth be told, nerves weren''t really an issue for her. After the written test and interview, she''d already calcted a rough score in her head. She figured her results would be close to what she expected-give or take a few points.


    And when she finally saw her score, she couldn''t help but smile. Exactly as she''d predicted.


    Esmeralda, on the other hand, let out a shriek and pped her hands over her face. “469! Elodie, you''re not even human!"


    How was that possible, especially after spending three years away from any kind of academic environment?


    And this was the qualifying exam for Verdant University—a school infamous for its difficulty, its cutthroatpetition. Getting through wasn''t just tough; it was a battleground for geniuses. Yet Elodie had managed to outscore the rest of those prodigies by dozens of points.


    Alexander exhaled, a long breath of relief and disbelief. "If you''d had more time to prepare, I bet you''d have scored even higher. There are some people whose talent makes you jealous, but you you''re on a whole other level. I wouldn''t even dare topare."


    "I was admitted straight through for both my Master''s and PhD," he added, "but in our field, even if I''d taken the test and given it everything I had, I doubt I could have scored above a 455." He could already picture his father''s reaction to Elodie''s score-delighted with her, thoroughly unimpressed with him.


    Every single point made a difference; each was a dividing line.


    A rare genius like Elodie could really make you doubt yourself.


    Still, none of them were truly surprised by her results. They had expected as much from the very beginning.


    A quick call to Mr. Sterling confirmed her spot in the graduate program.


    Esmeralda nudged Alexander in the ribs, grinning. "Sylvie got cut, huh? I bet she''s tearing her hair out right now, trying to figure out who edged her out."


    Alexander chuckled, then an idea seemed to spark. "Let''s invite my dad to the productunch on Friday."


    Elodie caught the meaning instantly. She shook her head,ughing, but agreed all the same.


    The marketing team had been working around the clock for days, and by Friday, everything was in ce.


    When Elodie arrived at the venue, people from across the industry were already trickling in. A few trusted media partners had also shown up.


    Alexander, meanwhile, had some news of his own. "Neural Intelligence is having their grand opening today, too. Apparently, it''s quite the spectacle."


    More than a spectacle, actually.


    Several government officials had shown up for the ribbon-cutting, lending the event a distinctly high-profile air. Everypany in the sector was eager to get on Jarrod''s good side, so they all made sure to send their congrattions.


    As Elodie quietly scanned theunch event agenda, she didn''t even look up. "It makes sense to hold an event like this once thepany''s settled and growing. It boosts our visibility and keeps clients engaged."


    It just so happened both events hadnded on the same day.


    That was interesting, to say the least.


    Alexander seemed to realize it as well, a wry smile on his lips. "Fate must want us


    as rivals. Bothpanies throwing big events today—it''s like a silent contest, seeing who''s better connected."


    That was just how things worked in this industry.


    Companies would always hedge their bets, adapting to whichever way the wind blew.


    It was all about self-interest. Everyone was just watching and waiting.


    "Mr. Sterling, Ms. Thorne."


    Someone approached.


    They turned, surprised by who they saw.


    Joseph was already striding over, his gaze lingering on Elodie for a couple of seconds, as if assessing her mood.


    "Mr. Dcroix?" Elodie asked, surprised. "Aren''t you at Neural Intelligence''sunch today?"


    Why was he at VistaLink Technologies'' event instead?


    Alexander looked equally taken aback.


    Joseph had always been close with Jarrod and Sylvie-they were on the same team. If there was ever a time to show support at Neural Intelligence''s ribbon- cutting, it was now. So why had hee to VistaLink Technologies''unch?


    "I said at the Warwick family g that I''m very interested in VistaLink Technologies," Joseph replied, his tone even. "I''d really like to explore opportunities for coboration. I hope you don''t mind me dropping by unannounced; I just wanted to get a better feel for thepany. I know this choice might be important."


    Elodie arched an eyebrow.


    Alexander, quick on the uptake and every inch the consummate businessman, didn''t miss a beat. "Not at all," he said smoothly. "Your presence is a tremendous show of support. VistaLink Technologies is delighted to have you here."