Elodie had her own suspicions, but she didn''t ask Jarrod about them. Some things, she thought, were better left unspoken.


    Day three.


    Despite her reservations, Elodie left her hotel for the pre-bid reception.


    When she arrived at the club, she spotted Watts already mingling among the guests.


    She wasn''t surprised. The technical challenge of thismercial airliner project was significant, and of course Eldrion Global would be eager to secure the bid-it made perfect sense.


    "When did you get here? I didn''t see you at dinnerst night," Watts called out the moment he saw her, breaking away from a small cluster of business acquaintances and striding straight toward her.


    Elodie gave a polite nod. "I had some things to handle online, couldn''t get away."


    Watts studied her for a long moment before offering a faint, almost disappointed smile. “I can''t help but feel like you''ve been keeping me at arm''s lengthtely. Is it just my imagination?"


    He could tell, of course. Elodie had always been reserved, buttely there was a subtle distance, a coolness that hadn''t been there before-even in the casualfort of old friends.


    He wondered, maybe Jarrod had said something?


    Elodie hesitated for a beat, but didn''t bother to exin. "You''re reading too much into it, Mr. Aldridge."


    Watts took a slow breath, masking the flicker of hurt in his eyes. "I hope so. Elodie, as a friend, I hope you know you can trust me."


    He didn''t dwell on it, ncing around the room before turning back to her, his gaze sincere. "This airliner contract-it''s a milestone for all of us. Eldrion Global''s going to fight hard for it, and we both know we''ll be rivals this time. I hope that''s not going to be a problem between us."


    Elodie certainly didn''t see it as one. Her confidence was intact-everypany had its strengths, and if she didn''t mind Jarrod as apetitor, she certainly didn''t mind Watts.


    "Don''t worry about it, Mr. Aldridge. Doing the best job possible should be the priority. No one gets handed results out of charity," she said, her tone clear and firm.


    Eldrion Global might be formidable, but VistaLink Technologies had nothing to be ashamed of.


    Watts seemed to read her thoughts, watching her for a moment before letting out a soft, ruefulugh. "That''s the Elodie I know-fearless as ever. How could anyone not admire that?"


    Footsteps approached behind them. Elodie''s gaze shifted-and she saw Jarrod approaching, his expression cool andposed. He barely nced at Watts.


    "Am I interrupting?" Jarrod asked, his voice as calm as ever.


    "Not at all. You''re here, so I''ll excuse myself," Watts joked, cocking his head with an easy grin.


    Jarrod stepped beside Elodie, his


    voice unchanged. "I used to think my


    wife''s wedding ring was


    shy


    for her she''s the discreet type, doesn''t care for ostentation. now, think the sparkle is a good


    thing. Makes for a handy mirror, and


    it keeps people mindful of


    boundaries."


    Elodie nced at him, searching his expression for any hidden meaning. She was sure something must have happened between these two men-Jarrod never seemed to think much of Watts, in any respect.


    Watts took it all in stride, unbothered, even managing an innocent smile. "No need to be nervous, Mr. Silverstein."


    Jarrod was as unruffled as ever. "No need to overthink it, Mr. Aldridge."


    Elodie could sense the tension simmering beneath the surface, despite the calm facade. Deciding she wanted no part in this silent standoff, she turned and walked away.


    The reception was little more than a prelude; there were still two hours until the official bid opening.


    She mingled with representatives from the country''s top tech firms, each CEO personally present to lead theirpany''s bidding team. It was clear just how high the stakes were everyone knew this was the most lucrative contract of the year.


    The rivalry was already underway, both in the open and behind the scenes.


    Right now, thepanies drawing the hottest attention were VistaLink Technologies, The Silverstein Group, and Eldrion Global. Competition was inevitable.


    With her recent rise in the industry, Elodie found herself the center of attention. Many came over to toast her, but all were considerate enough to offer tea instead of wine, knowing she couldn''t handle alcohol.


    No one dared test her limits with drinking games or corporate rituals. Elodie couldn''t help ncing toward Jarrod—who else but him couldmand that much respect on her behalf?


    After making the rounds, it was almost time for the bid to begin. Elodie excused herself to freshen up and used the opportunity to call Alexander, checking on his arrival.


    She dialed as she left the restroom, turning the corner-


    A hand shot


    gut, a folded


    handkerchief pressed suddenly to her mouth and nose. Elodie was yanked backward, her eyes flying wide as a sickly sweet chemical scent filled her senses. In an instant, her head spun, and the world tilted into darkness-