It seemed that Elias had only made that offer offhand.


    Elodie mulled over his words, trying to parse his intention.


    From a doctor''s perspective, a patient''s good mood can work wonders for recovery, which was probably why he''d reminded her to stay positive.


    Whatever the reason, she was grateful.


    She knew Elias had no real obligation to offer to review her reports-most likely, he was returning the favor from thest time, after she''d helped smooth things over with Naylor Whitaker.


    That day, Elodie decided to take a day off and rest.


    She carefully checked her own condition. Last time, she''d asked the doctor if chemo always led to hair loss. He''d assured her it wasn''t inevitable. Now, after her second round of treatment, her hair seemed untouched, which gave her somefort.


    The next day.


    Elodie forced herself back to her usual pace. Most of the time, she was just pushing through, but she''d gotten used to it; it didn''t seem so bad anymore.


    VistaLink Technologies received an industry summit invitation from Eldrion Global.


    An annual event-Eldrion Global was the host.


    The invitation was even hand-delivered by Watts Aldridge, their executive assistant.


    Alexander was genuinely surprised at how much attention Eldrion Global was paying them.


    After all, Eldrion Global was a major yer in defense tech, with real clout and value.


    Elodie thought it was worth attending.


    Establishing a solid, long-term rtionship with Eldrion Global would be the best


    oue.


    She and Alexander arrived together.


    Along the way, they ran into several promising partners and acquaintances. Lately, Elodie had been making waves in the industry-her involvement with Neural Intelligence had made her a rising star. The moment she walked in, a crowd gathered, eager to exchange pleasantries.


    Luckily, her background in PR meant she handled these interactions with effortless ease.


    As they made their way toward the main hall, they nearly collided with another group.


    Naylor looked at Elodie, his expression twisting into somethingplicated. He opened his mouth as if to say something, then hesitated, as if any words would fall short.


    Last time, it was only thanks to Elias stepping in that TerraCore Technologies had avoided a mess.


    In the end, Elodie had shown restraint.


    While Naylor tried to figure out how to begin an apology, Elodie walked right past him, eyes fixed ahead, not so much as ncing his way.


    Naylor was left standing there, seething.


    What the hell was her problem? He wasn''t exactly easy to miss-did she really just treat him like he was invisible?


    Oblivious to Naylor''s inner turmoil, Elodie finished making the rounds with Alexander. Soon, she spotted Jarrod arriving, and with him-Sylvie.


    Sylvie looked positively radiant, as if she were celebrating some private sess. She mingled with the crowd, exuding poise and confidence, as though nothing unpleasant had ever happened.


    ver


    Alexander gave a low whistle. "You know, if there''s one thing that matters in this world, it''s having a thick skin."


    Just then, Jarrod guided Sylvie over to them.


    Sylvie''s gaze swept over Elodie-a cold, dismissive look, tinged with scorn.


    Jarrod, on the other hand, was calm andposed. "Ms. Thorne, Mr. Sterling." Elodie didn''t respond.


    Alexander''s expression remained cool. "Mr. Silverstein, with all these eyes on us, one might think you bringing Ms. Fielding over means we''ve buried the hatchet." His words were pointed, to say the least.


    Sylvie pressed her lips together. "Mr. Sterling, I was deceived. I hope you won''t misunderstand me."


    "Misunderstanding or not, the


    authorities have already made their ruling. No need to bring it up again, Ms. Fielding." Alexander''s tone was chilly, his position clear.


    Sylvie heard the message loud and clear. It was a shame,


    really-Alexander was a leader in the field, both in expertise and reputation. Losing his goodwill a loss, but she understood: geniuses came with their own temperaments. All she could do was try to mend things, slowly.


    Just then, amotion rippled through the crowd.


    Everyone turned to look.


    Waldron had arrived, entirely unannounced.


    He''d been out of the spotlight for years; his sudden appearance stirred the entire


    room, the energy shifting in an instant.