"Ms. Fielding." Watts'' expression softened a touch when he saw who had


    approached, though he couldn''t quite keep his gaze from drifting in that direction now and then.


    Sylvie could sense that Watts was in a reasonably good mood. She offered a faint smile. "Mr. Aldridge, do you have a moment to talk with me?"


    She was fairly certain Watts wouldn''t refuse her.


    Sure enough, Watts had no choice but to pause. He gave a small shrug. "Of course, Ms. Fielding. Go ahead."


    There was aposed, careful expression on Sylvie''s face. "My interest in working with Eldrion Global has always been my top priority, so I''d really like to hear your thoughts. I know Neural Intelligence has had some negative presstely —I won''t deny it—but I''m hoping you''ll be willing to look past some of that and consider what Neural Intelligence is truly capable of. Neither I nor Neural Intelligence would let you down."


    For Watts, being approached for partnerships was just another part of his daily routine; he was well-practiced at handling these conversations without breaking a sweat.


    Still...


    "I''m sorry, Ms. Fielding, but maybe there''s been some misunderstanding?"


    Watts regarded the woman before him, considering his words before continuing. "I thought I made things pretty clearst time we spoke."


    Thest time Sylvie hade to see him at the office, he hadn''t given her a definite answer—just a few polite, nomittal remarks. From his perspective, any seasoned negotiator should have recognized that as a rejection.


    Eldrion Global had its own considerations. Even if it wasn''t his personal preference, thepany would still lean toward VistaLink Technologies.


    VistaLink had Elodie, and Alexander-both internationally renowned engineers. Their talent pool was second to none. Watts simply didn''t see apelling reason to choose Neural Intelligence over them.


    Sylvie''s expression tightened. "A misunderstanding?"


    Had she really misunderstood?


    Watts wasn''t...


    Seeing the tension in Sylvie''s face, Watts slipped a hand into his pocket and raised an eyebrow, thinking for a moment before answering. "Partnerships require aprehensive assessment, and stability is a key factor. The recent patent dispute between Neural Intelligence and VistaLink Technologies... Well, I''m afraid the leadership at Eldrion Global is going to have reservations. My advice, Ms. Fielding, is to get things back on track and rebuild yourpany''s reputation before reaching for bigger ambitions."


    In other words, there was no need for Eldrion Global to take a chance on Neural Intelligence while their reputation was still shaky.


    And it''s not like he had any personal stake in Sylvie''s sess. He honestly didn''t understand why she''d approach him at a time like this, as if she thought he might be inclined to do her a favor.


    Watts had said all he intended to say.


    Without hesitation, he turned and strode off in another direction.


    Sylvie was left with aplicated expression.


    At this point, she understood perfectly well-Watts was turning her down.


    She watched his retreating back.


    And she came to a realization.


    People in certain positions...


    Don''t let sentiment cloud their judgment.


    Watts was a rational man, the type to keep business and personal matters strictly separate.


    At the summit, Elodie made her


    etting a feel for the I


    s from all thepatt


    Content boateet


    Anyone invited to an event like this was operating at the top tier.


    Eachpany had its own strengths; there was a lot to learn.


    She was passing by a disy table when she happened to overhear a conversation behind her.


    "Did you hear? Mr. Ferguson came out of retirement for Ms. Fielding. That whole, scandal barely made a dent. And things are still steady between her and Mr. Silverstein. I My husband says Ms. Fielding might be marrying into the Silverstein family any day now-he told med should really try to stay on good terms with her."


    "Exactly. Even the Howards have met her. Wouldn''t be surprised if they eloped one of these days."


    "I doubt it—Mr. Silverstein is so devoted, I''m sure he''ll make it a proper affair."


    "VistaLink


    echnologies is really


    something these day you bet


    that


    als. Thorne-so young, a


    already such a rising star, But..."