A sleek Rolls-Royce Cullinan idled just ahead, and standing beside it was Jarrod.

His gaze flicked to Elodie, registering her presence without surprise. He coolly shifted his eyes away, settling instead on the space behind her.

The moment Sylvie emerged from the terminal and caught sight of Jarrod, a blush of delight touched her cheeks. She breezed right past Elodie, pretending not to notice her at all, and headed straight for Jarrod.

Alexander scowled. “So that’s why he didn’t show up with everyone else—he’s been here since early morning, waiting to pick someone up.”

He watched Jarrod and Sylvie with a mix of annoyance and amusement. “Honestly, with how inseparable they are, maybe they should just tie themselves together with a belt.”

Elodie pulled her coat tighter around her and acted as if she hadn’t seen the pair.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the arrivals hall, Naylor Whitaker stepped out of the airport and noticed Jarrod and Sylvie together. He strolled over and greeted them. “Didn’t expect to see you here too, Mr. Silverstein.”

His gaze lingered on Sylvie for a moment, quickly piecing together that Jarrod was here for her.

Sylvie replied with her signature gentle smile. “Jarrod flew in yesterday for a meeting. He’s planning to stay with me until everything wraps up.”

Naylor found himself reevaluating their relationship yet again. For a man with a schedule as packed as Jarrod’s to drop everything and accompany Sylvie the entire time-there was no doubt how much he cherished her.

The conversation between the three flowed easily, laughter and warmth in the air.

Elodie paid them no mind. She checked the time on her phone.

The base had arranged a shuttle to take everyone to the hotel, and company executives and engineers were already boarding in small groups.

A harried staff member approached. “I’m so sorry-one of the cars broke down on

the way, so we’re a vehicle short. The shuttle is full at the moment.”

Elodie glanced at the crowded van and was about to suggest she just call a cab when the staff member turned to Jarrod, hopeful. “Mr. Silverstein, would you mind giving Mr. Sterling and this young lady a ride?”

The request came out of nowhere and caught everyone off guard.

Sylvie’s eyes flashed, her expression tightening.

Truth was, only Jarrod and Naylor had driven themselves here. Naylor had already agreed to take an extra passenger.

Elodie’s brows knitted, and before Jarrod could say a word, she answered coolly, “That’s not necessary. We’ll make our own arrangements.”

Sylvie shot her a fleeting glance, as if finally acknowledging her existence.

Even Naylor found the situation absurd. What, were they really supposed to let Elodie squeeze into the car with Jarrod and Sylvie? That would be a disaster.

He couldn’t help himself-he grinned mischievously and tossed out a suggestion just to stir the pot. “Well, before Mr. Silverstein agrees to drive another woman, shouldn’t he check with his girlfriend, Ms. Fielding, to see if she gives permission?”

At that, Sylvie arched an eyebrow, the faintest hint of a smile curving her lips.

Alexander’s expression darkened. Since when did a wife need the mistress’s permission to ride in her own husband’s car? The world had turned upside down. Jarrod, for his part, remained collected. His gaze lingered on Elodie, unreadable. Elodie’s eyes flashed cold. “I don’t recall asking for help,” she said, her voice like frost. It was as if they were the ones desperate for Jarrod and Sylvie’s favor- what a joke.

Naylor hadn’t expected Elodie’s icy retort. Was this some kind of reverse psychology?

He stole a glance at Jarrod, curious for his reaction.

But Jarrod showed no sign of being swayed by Elodie’s aloofness.

Sylvie, ever poised, smiled with just a touch of pride and turned to Alexander. “Mr. Sterling, would you like to join us?”

She saw no reason to let the recent tension between their companies get in the way. She genuinely didn’t mind Alexander coming along.

Alexander’s lips twitched, but he remained distant. “No need. I know the base and the hotel like the back of my hand. It’s practically home turf for me. Elodie and I will get there ourselves.”

With that, he took Elodie’s hand and strode off, leaving the others behind.

Jarrod’s eyes briefly flicked to their joined hands, pausing for just a moment before he looked away, unfazed.

Alexander really did know his way around. Growing up, he’d often accompanied his father on business trips to this place.

Their hotel was a five-star just next to the base.

As they checked in, they ran into the executives and technical staff from other companies. With VistaLink Technologies’ latest project making waves, everyone stopped by to say hello.

Among the arrivals, Alexander spotted a group from The Delacroix Group. “Didn’t Mr. Delacroix make the trip?” he asked.

Mr. Black, a Delacroix representative, chuckled. “No, Mr. Delacroix had to run off Brightshore these past couple days-apparently, he went to visit a doctor friend. I guess Miss Delacroix’s health isn’t great again.”

A doctor friend?

Elodie immediately recalled Joseph Delacroix telling her he’d help set up a doctor’s appointment. Still, it probably wasn’t the same situation.

She shook her head, letting the thought pass.

The front desk handed over their room keys. “Here you are, sir, madam. Mr. Silverstein has arranged for everyone’s rooms to be upgraded to our top-tier luxury suites. He wanted to make sure you all have the best possible stay.”

Elodie glanced up and spotted the hotel’s logo. Of course this was one of the Silverstein Group’s hotels in Goldspire.

Mr. Black, standing nearby, added, “Originally, the organizers had everyone booked in standard rooms, but we heard Ms. Fielding has an allergy to the aromatherapy oils they use here. To avoid any hint of favoritism, Mr. Silverstein just had everyone’s rooms upgraded.”

Alexander leaned over to Elodie and muttered, “Are we supposed to be impressed by how considerate he is?”

Elodie had to admit, she hadn’t expected Jarrod to be so attentive. She said nothing, nor did she intend to let it affect her.

They all filed into the elevator together.

Mr. Black and President Brown-head of a materials company-seized the opportunity to chat with Alexander about the VistaLink Technologies project. They were clearly excited, and Alexander was happy to talk shop.

Eventually, the discussion turned to the swarm algorithm in the flight system. Alexander tossed the question to Elodie, who explained the technical highlights with clarity and confidence.

At first, the accompanying engineers hadn’t paid her much attention. But soon, they were captivated, taken aback by her expertise. The more she spoke, the more impressed they became, hanging on every word.

Mr. Black and President Brown stared at Elodie in astonishment. They’d always assumed Alexander had brought her along as some kind of special assistant-not expecting her to be an expert in her own right.

Who would have thought Mr. Sterling was hiding such remarkable talent at his side?