Elodie had just finished reviewing the document and switched off her phone.


    Grady watched her, his expression a mix of emotions. Ever since he''d learned that Elodie was Mrs. Silverstein, old memories came flooding back-awkward ones, mostly, and a growing sense of sympathy for Sylvie. No wonder Elodie had always targeted Sylvie, always making things difficult for her.


    "Ms. Fielding''stest paper just got published in a top journal," Grady said, seizing the chance to defend Sylvie. "Elodie, maybe you could learn a thing or two from her."


    Sylvie''s mind drifted back to when Elodie was still in New York, hopelessly lost during their academic discussions-like a student reading a foreignnguage.


    Still, Sylvie kept herposure, chin lifted, and said nothing.


    Elodie merely flicked her gaze toward Grady, but before she could reply, Alexander returned from chatting with a few acquaintances. He''d caught the tail end of the conversation and said, "No wonder Esmeralda once mentioned wanting a paternity test. You work so hard, but have you ever gotten a single word of praise from Ms. Fielding? Maybe she needs a refresher course on positive reinforcement."


    Sylvie''s brow furrowed.


    Grady''s face darkened. "Mr. Sterling, I was just giving Elodie some friendly advice. Is that so wrong?"


    Sylvie added, "Mr. Sterling, I''d appreciate it if you didn''t specte about my professional rtionship with Mr. Mercer."


    Alexander dusted off his sleeve, feigning sudden realization. "Fair enough. After all, these days you''re working for Elodie''s ''husband.""


    Sylvie''s expression turned icy.


    Just then, Jarrod returned and slipped quietly into his seat, seemingly oblivious to the tension.


    Elodie paid them no further attention. Alexander''sment had already left the pair speechless; she''d made her point.


    As she turned, she spotted Charlie arriving at the door and immediately remembered to go greet him. Standing up, she momentarily lost her bnce— heels too high, a slight stumble.


    Instinctively, she reached for the back of her chair, but before she could steady herself, a hand appeared right on time, supporting her wrist and helping her stand upright.


    Elodie turned to see Jarrod, eyes still on his phone, ncing up at her.


    She frowned, resisting the urge to say "Don''t touch me" in front of everyone, and quickly pulled her hand away.


    The small exchange didn''t go unnoticed; several people in the room shot nces at Sylvie, some barely hiding their curiosity.


    Sylvie''s lips pressed into a thin line, a chill flickering in her eyes.


    But Jarrod seemed to have acted on pure reflex; he calmly withdrew his hand and returned to his phone.


    Meanwhile, Charlie''s expression had been aloof as Elodie approached, but when she greeted him with a polite, "Professor," his face rxed a little. He looked around, hands tucked behind his back, and


    introduced her: "This is my student,


    Elodie."


    It was rare for Charlie to introduce a student so openly, and the crowd quickly acknowledged her with friendly greetings.


    Then a cold scoff sounded from behind.


    Elodie nced up to see Waldron Ferguson stride over, eyeing Charlie and Elodie. "Quite the golden child, aren''t we? Getting more attention than you deserve."


    Waldron was infamous for his bluntness; no one expected him to y nice.


    He shot Elodie a look. "You''ve been awfully shytely. Always at the center of things. When''s thest time you actually focused on your research?"


    There was a clear barb in his tone.


    Elodie, of course, knew better than to argue with a senior like Waldron.


    But-


    "I didn''t say anything, so why are you?" Charlie retorted coolly, eyeing Waldron. The two of them had never gotten along, and today was no exception. "Worry about you own students."


    Everyone could see what was happening: Mr. Sterling was fiercely protective of his own.


    Waldron merely snorted. "Well, you''re certainly quick to throw your standards out the window for her."


    Sylvie, arriving just in time to catch Waldron''s jab at Elodie, showed no reaction outwardly, but inside, she couldn''t help but feel a flicker of scorn.


    Clearly, Elodie only had Alexander to shield her here. People like Mr. Ferguson didn''t even bother to hide their disdain.


    "Mr. Ferguson, good to see you," Sylvie said, stepping forward to greet him.


    He nced at her, nodded curtly, and strode farther into the room. Sylvie offered a small, satisfied smile and quickly followed.


    The bystanders exchanged knowing looks.


    It was obvious now-Sylvie seemed to have a good rapport with Mr. Ferguson.


    Today, with two leading figures in


    the field present, and everyone aware that Elodie was Mr. Sterling''s star student, it was only natural to wonder: was Sylvie, then, Mr Ferguson''s protégé?