He hadn’t seen Naylor around today, which left him more than a little frustrated- he really expected better. He’d planned to have Naylor join them for dinner, too.

Alexander, on the other hand, didn’t object. “Of course. It would be an honor for VistaLink Technologies.”

As he spoke, he glanced at Watts and offered a polite gesture: “Would Mr. Aldridge care to join us as well?”

Watts easily picked up on the formality. Taking the invitation at face value would only make things awkward. He played along, giving a brief chuckle. “I appreciate

it, but I have another engagement later. Let’s catch up another time.”

Just then, Elodie spotted Jarrod approaching with Sylvie in tow.

“Mr. Whitaker,” Jarrod greeted Klein with a formal nod.

Klein merely returned the gesture, his expression unreadable. “Mr. Silverstein, you’re here as well.”

The tangled relationships among the younger crowd were none of his business. As an outsider, he knew better than to get involved.

Jarrod’s gaze flicked to Alexander before settling on Elodie. “Ms. Thorne, Mr. Sterling-would you happen to be free for lunch? There are a few matters regarding Neural Intelligence that I’d like to discuss.”

The invitation came out of nowhere, and Elodie instinctively furrowed her brow.

VistaLink Technologies and Neural Intelligence hardly had the kind of relationship that called for friendly lunch meetings.

Alexander finally looked over at Klein, who hesitated. Truthfully, he’d been hoping to have lunch with Elodie himself-opportunities like this didn’t come often. But Jarrod had brought up business, and after a moment’s thought, Klein said, “If it’s urgent, why don’t we all go together? I was planning to have lunch with Elodie and the others anyway.”

A faint, knowing smile touched Jarrod’s lips. “If you don’t mind, that would be perfect.”

Klein waved for them to follow and led the way downstairs.

Elodie shot Jarrod a sharp look, her suspicions immediately taking shape. She was almost certain Jarrod wasn’t really interested in lunch with her or Alexander- his real target was Klein.

He must have overheard Klein inviting her to lunch just moments ago. Jarrod knew that if he approached Klein directly, Klein might well decline. But by framing

it as a work discussion with VistaLink Technologies, Klein would feel obliged to consider the company’s interests and suggest eating together.

It was a clever bit of psychological maneuvering-Jarrod’s real aim was to bring Sylvie and Neural Intelligence into the spotlight.

Although VistaLink Technologies and Neural Intelligence technically collaborated on certain government projects, all of the core technical work was handled by VistaLink. There was little real need for the two teams to coordinate over lunch.

Jarrod’s move was entirely intentional.

Elodie said nothing as she turned away, heading for the elevator.

Sylvie, noticing Elodie’s frosty demeanor, couldn’t help but frown herself. Elodie acting like she owned the place-did she really think Klein was here just for her? Did she expect others not to approach him?

Alexander kept his thoughts to himself, though he had a pretty good idea what Jarrod was up to. Some things were better left unsaid.

As they waited for the elevator, more people began to gather behind them.

Watts made his way over to Elodie’s side.

“Ms. Thorne, I hope we’ll have the chance to work together in the future. If you don’t mind, may I have your contact information?”

His voice was sincere.

Jarrod happened to be rounding the corner just then, catching Watts’s words. He didn’t pause, but his gaze flickered briefly their way.

Elodie didn’t notice what was happening behind her, but she’d already considered the benefits. Anyone attending a seminar like this was bound to have an impressive background. Turning a potential connection into an actual business partner would only be to her advantage.

In the business world, flexibility was key.

Without a moment’s hesitation, she pulled out her phone and opened her messenger. “Of course.”