She was itching to uncover the truth.


    But before she could act-


    Seymour approached her and said, “President Fielding, the two government officials had urgent business and had to leave early. Three others will be staying until the end."


    Sylvie frowned slightly.


    She understood that government officials were always busy; these days, the administration was throwing its full support behind tech initiatives, and it was standard practice to send representatives to back promisingpanies.


    The fact that they''d shown up at all counted as a win. If duty called them away mid-event, she had noints. "It''s fine," she replied. "Make sure the others are settled properly-we can''t afford any slip-ups. Coordinate with the media on coverage of those who are still here."


    VistaLink Technologies'' productunch was buzzing with guests today.


    Their project had gone live early in the year, targeting the national market, and plenty ofpanies from across the country had sent people to attend.


    Charlie was here today to show his support for VistaLink Technologies.


    He was known for keeping a low profile, so his appearance caused a stir as word spread quickly through the crowd.


    Everyone was talking.


    Charlie didn''t go out of his way to dodge questions, either.


    If anyone approached to ask why he was attending, he never one for small talk -would simply answer, "I''m here to see what my student has aplished."


    Most people already knew Verdant University had just wrapped up their graduate assessments.


    Those words made quite a few heads turn.


    People looked at Elodie in shock, their gazes suddenly bright with curiosity.


    Introduced personally by Mr. Sterling himself!


    That kind of attention waspletely unprecedented.


    Joseph had witnessed the whole scene unfold.


    He''d only ever heard his boss, Mr. Haywood, speak about Elodie in tones of admiration and respect.


    He knew Elodie had genuinely contributed to the VistaLink Technologies project.


    But he never imagined that, even with Sylvie as her directpetition, Elodie woulde out ahead-bing Charlie''s student and earning such recognition.


    Watching it all happen, Joseph was thoroughly awed.


    Elodie had truly impressed the renowned academic!


    Elodie herself had no idea what Joseph was thinking. Just then, someone arrived with a congrattory gift for theunch.


    It was from Eldrion Global.


    They presented several model pieces-scaled replicas of VistaLink Technologies''test products-crafted from carbon fiber and the newest high-grade military materials.


    The moment Elodie handled them, she could instantly tell how rare these materials were and how they incorporated cutting-edge technology.


    "Mr. Aldridge had these custom-made," the Eldrion Global representative exined politely. "He wanted to congratte VistaLink Technologies on the project''s great sess. He flew out to Goldspire for business a couple days ago and couldn''t be here in person, but he insisted on sending his best wishes."


    Strictly speaking, gifts weren''t necessary for today''sunch.


    But Elodie understood.


    This was a gift from Watts Aldridge and a clear sign of Eldrion Global''s goodwill.


    The customized models, made from top-tier military-grade materials rather than ordinaryposites, showcased Eldrion Global''s technological muscle. It was a thoughtful gesture.


    "Please convey our thanks to Mr. Aldridge," Elodie said, having someone take the gifts away for safekeeping.


    After making sure the Eldrion Global team was looked after, Alexander came over. "A few government leaders in charge of tech industry development are here. They''re speaking with the old man right now. Once they''re done,e over and meet them-we''ll need a group photo."


    Elodie nodded without objection.


    She knew these officials were here for one reason: to meet Mr. Charlie Sterling. That was the power of connections in business-crucial for promotion and growth. The venue was enormous, and the event schedule was packed.


    Theunch would run for another two hours or so.


    With Charlie present, the media had requested a ten-minute interview, focused on industry issues.


    While Charlie was busy, Elodie slipped upstairs to take her medication and then returned to the hall.


    She was just about to look for Charlie when her assistant hurried over and whispered in her ear, "Ms. Thorne, Mr. Silverstein from The Silverstein Group just arrived―"