The past couple of days had been a headache for Naylor. The fallout from the incident was massive-if VistaLink Technologies decided to press charges, TerraCore Technologies would be branded as a risky partner, and that was thest thing he needed.


    He honestly hadn''t seen iting.


    Things really had gone south on Sylvie''s end.


    She''d actually been screwed over by a foreigner.


    Naylor tried calling VistaLink Technologies, but their lines were tied up with calls from all directions; he couldn''t get through.


    After weighing his options, he decided to call Elias for advice. Maybe his brother would have a way out.


    The truth was, he''d only gotten dragged into this because of Sylvie.


    Elias had just wrapped up his research work when Naylor called. Listening to Naylor vent, he asked, "Did VistaLink Technologies actually say they''re going after TerraCore Technologies as well?"


    "Not sure," Naylor replied. "But...you know Elodie. She might use this as a chance to go after me. She could even think I''m colluding with Ms. Fielding." The whole thing felt like a disaster he hadn''t asked for.


    Elias paused for a couple of seconds. "If Elodie was really that petty and vindictive, you wouldn''t have any chance to buy that patent in the first ce."


    Naylor was at a loss for words. After a moment, he sighed. "Come on, man. Help me out here."


    Elias took his time finishing the work in front of him. "I''m not sure it''ll work, but I''ll give it a shot."


    Naylor was genuinely surprised. Did Elias actually have an idea?


    Elodie had just finished a meeting when she got a message from Elias.


    He''d sent an audio recording, along with a text.


    Elias: [Sorry to trouble you, Ms. Thorne. I''ve heard about the situation with VistaLink Technologies, and I know my younger brother Naylor is caught up in it. Here''s a recording-feel free to use your own judgment. Naylor never had any improper dealings with Neural Intelligence. I hope this helps.]


    Elodie tapped on the audio file.


    The background was a bit noisy, but Sylvie and Naylor''s voices came through clearly.


    Sylvie was urging Naylor to break his contract with VistaLink Technologies, her words casting serious aspersions on thepany-enough to serve as evidence in a defamation case.


    But Naylor t-out refused Sylvie''s proposal.


    Elodie immediately understood what Elias was doing.


    She thought for a moment. She knew TerraGore Technologies had gotten caught in the crossfire here The police had already investigated and confirmed that TerraCore Radn''t broken any rules-it wasn''t intentional on their part. Sure, VistaLink Technologies could still press charges if they wanted, but...


    In this industry, being overly aggressive could backfire and make enemies you didn''t need.


    Sometimes it was better to let things go, and earn a little goodwill.


    She replied to Elias: [Understood, Mr. Warwick. No need to worry.]


    Better to have one more ally than another enemy.


    Elias wasn''t surprised to see Elodie''s response.


    As for the recording-well, it was obvious that by then the situation between VistaLink Technologies and Neural Intelligence had already. blown up, withwsuits flying left and right. For Sylvie to approach Naylor in private and bring up such sensitive topics was reckless. If TerraCore Technologies had blindly


    followed along at that critical


    moment, they really could have


    ended up in deep trouble.


    Elias could only hope that Naylor would learn to be more careful with his personal


    affairs and even more prudent in business.


    Now that Elodie had given her answer, he owed her yet another favor.


    Sending her the recording hadn''t given Elodie the upper hand-in fact, despite Naylor''s earlier offense and TerraCore''s involvement, Elodie had chosen not to pursue them aggressively. Elias knew better than to consider this matter settled just because he''d provided a little evidence.


    Elodie found some time to visit Verdant University.


    Mr. Charlie Sterling was on campus for work today.


    She nned to catch up with him about the progress on resolving the current


    mess.


    While she was waiting for Charlie to finish up, Elodie spotted a familiar figure. Sylvie hadn''t noticed her, but as she turned down another hallway, Elodie heard her voice: "Mr. Abbott, do you have a moment to talk?"