Naylor was at a loss for words.
He couldn''t deny it-it was the truth.
Alexander set the file down on the desk, his lips curling in a cryptic half-smile. "Then perhaps, Mr. Whitaker, it''s time to adjust your perspective. It''s Mr. Silverstein who''s tossed aside ethics here, and frankly, Elodie has no interest in what he does. I''d also ask you, Mr. Whitaker, to stop projecting your so-called sympathy onto Elodie. If you want to apologize, keep it professional-talk about work, and show some real respect."
Naylor didn''t argue.
It was clear just how much Alexander was looking out for Elodie.
Taking a deep breath, Naylor said, "Understood. There''s something else I wanted to mention today. TerraCore Technologies is working with the military on a new materials project. The military''s looking to bring in some tech teams for support. My father asked me to pass the word to VistaLink Technologies-you might want to throw your hat in the ring."
Alexander caught his meaning.
An olive branch, perhaps?
"Thanks, we''ll discuss it," Alexander replied, keeping it brief.
As Naylor left, he cast onest nce toward Elodie''s office.
He couldn''t quite put a name to what he was feeling-it wasplicated.
Chances were, Elodie wouldn''t be warming up to him anytime soon.
As soon as Naylor was gone, Alexander filled Elodie in on the military''s request for technical support. Elodie agreed; after all, coborating with the military could only benefit VistaLink Technologies.
It was solid insider info.
Once the details were set, Elodie made ns to visit the military site that weekend.
It was a good chance to get a sense of things before the sixth-generation machine research ramped upter in the year.
The past couple of days had been quiet for Elodie—nothing from Lucinda''s end, and Jarrod had probably handled whatever hade up.
Not that she would have caved to Lucinda''s theatrics anyway-she simply didn''t want the distraction.
The military''s meeting site was in
open, non-ssified facility, so
Elodie, Alexander, and several
an
VistaLink''s top engineers all made
the trip together.
Upon arrival, they underwent strict security checks before being cleared to enter.
Elodie couldn''t help but feel a certain respect for the ce.
She wondered, if things had gone differently back then, would she already be serving her country?
"Don''t overthink it. Give it a little
more time and you''ll be here for real. With your U.N2 track record, any research team would roll out the red carpet for you." Alexander read her mind, grinning as he ruffled her hair.
It was his way of reassuring her.
When Naylor arrived, he caught sight of Alexander''s almost fond gesture.
Pressing his lips together, Naylor walked over, his gaze fixed on Elodie. "Ms. Thorne."
Elodie met his eyes coolly, saying nothing.
For someone used to being the golden boy, it stung to hit a wall—especially with a woman.
Still, he couldn''t help feeling a little wronged. It had all been a misunderstanding; he hadn''t meant for things to turn out this way.
VistaLink Technologies wasn''t the only team to hear about the opportunity.
Just as Elodie was about to tour the facility, two more cars pulled up at the entrance.
Sylvie stepped out, followed by a contingent of Neural Intelligence''s engineers- seven or eight in total.
When Sylvie saw Elodie, a sneer flickered in her eyes.
Now that she knew Elodie wasn''t above using underhanded tactics, she looked down on her even more.
Elodie knew that Neural Intelligence wouldn''t pass up a chance at redemption like this.
Still...
The moment Naylor spotted Sylvie, his expression shifted. He turned anxiously to Elodie. “Don''t get the wrong idea-I swear, I didn''t tip her off. only passed the information to VistaLink Technologies."