Chapter 287
Charlie looked over and waved Elodie over. “Come here. This is Eaton Aldridge- you’ve probably heard of him.”
Of course Elodie recognized the man standing before her. She’d seen his face countless times in political briefings, international summits, and news about military affairs.
This was one of the country’s top defense leaders.
No matter how calm and composed she tried to be, Elodie couldn’t help but feel a flicker of surprise meeting someone of his stature.
She stepped forward and offered a polite, “Hello, I’m Elodie.”
Eaton shook her hand, warm and relaxed, carrying none of the intimidating aura one might expect from someone in his position. “I know. Charlie’s told me about you plenty of times. I finally get to meet the brilliant young lady he keeps mentioning.”
Elodie glanced at Charlie.
He scowled, feigning gruffness. “Don’t listen to him. This girl’s got a rebellious streak a mile wide-I hardly ever bring her up.”
Elodie could only smile wryly.
It was obvious Eaton and Charlie went way back. Both were always busy, so it was rare for them to actually sit down together like this.
“Have a seat, Elodie. Make yourself comfortable,” Eaton said, his tone friendly and approving.
Elodie nodded quietly.
Eaton continued, “Your work on U.N2 has been a real breakthrough for our military technology. It’s impressive to finally meet you in person-I didn’t realize you were so young. You’re living proof that science is the future.”
Charlie took a sip of his drink before interjecting, “Don’t let her get a big head over it.”
Elodie let out a soft, helpless laugh.
Eaton ignored Charlie’s teasing, his expression sincere. “I’ve read the two papers you published in the top aerospace journal a few years back. They’re outstanding.”
Publishing twice in such a prestigious journal-Elodie’s reputation in the field was already unparalleled.
Eaton truly meant it. To have talent like this in the country was something to be proud of.
He couldn’t help but ask, “Why did you stop pursuing the research after that?” Elodie smiled faintly. “I got married not long after, so… priorities changed.” Eaton looked genuinely surprised.
Charlie, ever the straight-shooter, immediately added, “She’s getting divorced.”
Elodie hadn’t yet told Charlie that the divorce papers had already gone through; as far as he knew, she was still in the process.
But this wasn’t the time or place to get into the details of her personal life.
Eaton didn’t seem fazed. Matters of the heart rarely followed logic-being exceptional in one area didn’t guarantee happiness in another.
He simply nodded and moved on, steering the conversation toward the real reason for today’s meeting. “You’re a remarkable talent, Elodie. I sincerely hope you’ll contribute your expertise to our national defense.”
“In a few days, there’s a bid for a military-sponsored project focused on urban security and disaster response. Would you be interested?”
These projects demanded top-tier technology and strict standards.
Elodie was a little taken aback, but answered quickly, “If there’s a chance, I’d be happy to.”
Even if it was a civilian version, working with the military was no small feat. Competition would be fierce, drawing companies from across the country, and the selection process was rigorous.
Halfway through the meal, Elodie got a call from VistaLink Technologies- something about a technical maintenance issue with a partner.
Eaton smiled kindly. “No worries. Work comes first. We’ll catch up next time.”
Elodie nodded with quiet confidence.
Charlie gave her a nod as well.
With that, Elodie stood and excused herself.
As she stepped out of the private dining room, she passed someone in the hallway.
Klein paused, glancing in the direction Elodie had gone.
He remembered her well-they’d met at the Warwick family’s birthday dinner, and
she was a key figure at VistaLink Technologies.
He didn’t dwell on it and slipped into the room.
Seeing Klein, Eaton greeted him, “You’re a bit late—she just left.”
Klein took his seat and asked, “Who? Who was the guest today?”
Ever since Klein had mentioned introducing his son to Elodie, Charlie had eyed him suspiciously. “Aren’t you a fan of U.N2’s lead developer, Sylvie?”
Klein shot Charlie an indignant look. “You sly fox. Why didn’t you tell me it was her? You did this on purpose, didn’t you?”
If he’d known, he wouldn’t have missed the meeting. He’d only come because Eaton had called for a dinner, and he happened to be free.
But then it clicked.
His expression changed. “Wait, that developer… was it the woman I just passed?” Elodie? Ms. Thorne?
Eaton recalled the timing and nodded. “You probably crossed paths just now.”
Klein slapped his leg. “That was Elodie! No wonder Alexander was so effusive in his praise.”
He’d always heard U.N2’s lead developer was young, but he hadn’t realized she was not only young, but strikingly attractive.
“You know Elodie?” Eaton was surprised.
Klein nodded. “We met once. Charlie, you’re not playing fair. I asked you ages ago to introduce Elodie to my son. Did you ever mention him to her?”
Eaton finally pieced it together and shook his head with a wry smile. “You’re clever, but Ms. Thorne is already married.”
“She’s in the middle of a divorce,” Charlie corrected, clearly annoyed.
Klein was only briefly surprised. “Married and divorcing, huh… So, who’s her husband?”
Charlie frowned, glancing at the two men-old friends who could be trusted not to gossip.
He answered tersely, “Mr. Silverstein from The Silverstein Group.”
Everyone at the table knew The Silverstein Group-one of the nation’s most powerful companies.
The news hit Klein like a thunderbolt.
Jarrod?
But didn’t he already have a girlfriend? Klein had met Ms. Fielding a couple of times, and everyone said she was Jarrod’s official partner. At the Warwick family’s birthday, Jarrod, Sylvie, and Elodie had all been present…
His face darkened as he realized how tangled the situation really was.
Klein had genuine feelings for Elodie. “He’s not the right man for her. If she’s leaving him, all the better. My son Naylor is actually very serious about relationships. Maybe they should meet again sometime?”