She figured there had to be a record somewhere.


    When Charlie heard about it, he was a little surprised, but he didn''t think much of it. In any case, it was a problem that could be solved.


    Something this minor wouldn''t put a dent in Elodie''s capabilities.


    Elodie and Alexander spent most of the day shut away in the Sterling family''s study, each poring over aputer, digging through storage folders and thepany''s database.


    Esmeralda called several times during this stretch.


    Somepanies had already jumped ship to Neural Intelligence, looking to terminate their contracts with VistaLink Technologies, ming VistaLink for the issue.


    Elodie showed no hesitation. "Fine-let them out of their contracts. But from now on, take them off VistaLink''s list of approved partners."


    Alexander agreed. Business was always fickle, but sometimes picking sides too early was just another way to bring about your own downfall.


    It wasn''t until early the next morning that Alexander suddenly stood up. "Found it!"


    Elodie, feeling lightheaded from the long hours, waved him over. He slid theptop across, and she scanned the screen. Hidden in a folder from five years ago, she found her original, far more detailed and technically advanced draft.


    Elodie''s voice was cool and measured. "Well, I suppose it''s time to return the favor."


    The VistaLink Technologies contract fallout was spreading.


    Sylvie heard about it too.


    She barely looked up from the data files she was reviewing. It was the third day since the crisis began, and VistaLink still hadn''t issued a statement to clear their


    name.


    She knew very well this could be a devastating blow for them.


    "President Fielding, Mr. Silverstein and Mr. Nilsson are here," her assistant announced softly.


    Sylvie finally smiled and rose from her desk. When Jarrod entered, she walked over to greet him. "Maurice invited us out for lunch, but I got tangled up with some managerial headaches and just had toe ask for your advice again. I hope I''m not imposing?"


    She worked long hours and often needed Jarrod''s help navigating things she didn''t yet understand. He never seemed to mind-he was always patient and attentive with her.


    No wonder Henrietta hade to talk to her; it was obvious how much Jarrod looked out for her.


    Jarrod gave her a reassuring nce. "It''s nothing. Thepany''s still young- there''s a lot to learn, and it all takes time."


    Sylvie handed him herptop to look at.


    Behind them, Maurice let out a dramatic sigh. "If Jarrod''s around, there''s no room for anyone else in your eyes, huh? How long do I have to stand here before I''m noticed?"


    Sylvie chuckled, shooting her a yful look. "Jarrod really is special-I can''t deny that."


    Maurice groaned. "Right, guess I''ll just crawl under a rock."


    Jarrod ignored their banter, eyes still on the screen.


    Sylvie sat down beside him, then hesitated before asking, "Jarrod, this whole VistaLink Technologies thing caught everyone off guard. I really don''t want to get on the wrong side of Mr. Sterling, but Terrence is pushing hard to hold them ountable. As a manager, I have to stand up for my team. Sure, we could go after VistaLink''s core team directly, but..."


    "I''d still rather give Mr. Sterling a way out."


    Jarrod understood. "Alright, reach out to him."


    Without hesitation, Sylvie dialed Alexander.


    When he answered, she spoke calmly, "Mr. Sterling, I know VistaLink Technologies has been having a rough time these past couple of days. I''m sure that flight control system took a whole team years to develop. I''ve talked Terrence into leaving some room for negotiation-we''re willing to target an individual rather than the wholepany. You can name whoever you want, just to avoid bigger losses. Think about it."


    Alexander let out a low, almost mocking chuckle. "At VistaLink Technologies, we handle our own affairs, Ms. Fielding. Save your kindness for your ownpany."


    Sylvie was caught off guard.


    The line went dead.


    Jarrod nced up, unsurprised.


    Maurice, on the other hand, looked stunned. "It''se to this, and they''re still holding their ground?"


    The whole incident had been the talk of the town for days now!


    Did VistaLink Technologies really want to go down with the ship out of some misguided loyalty?


    Were they out of their minds?


    "They''ll have a response n," Jarrod said, ncing at his watch, voice casual. "Are you sure things are solid on Terrence''s end?"


    Sylvie nodded.


    Terrence did have ovepping tech specs and the original code-work that


    actually predated VistaLink''s development of the system.


    That alone was enough to clinch the case.


    Suddenly, the door burst open.


    Her assistant came in, looking conflicted. "President Fielding, VistaLink Technologies just issued a statement..."


    Jarrod looked up as well.


    Sylvie stayed calm. "Alright, let me see it."


    Maurice, always eager for gossip, whipped out his phone to check. But as soon


    as he read the announcement, his brow furrowed, and he looked up in shock. "VistaLink Technologies is saying..."


    "This entire flight control system... was developed independently by Elodie?!"