Watts didn’t refuse to take a look.

He flipped through the proposal for a while before nodding. “Not bad. Neural Intelligence has been on my radar lately-President Fielding, you’ve got some pretty fresh ideas in this area.”

Sylvie offered a polite smile. “Thank you. I hope if we do end up working together, we’re on the same page philosophically. Mr. Aldridge, do you think it’s feasible?”

Watts closed the folder.

He slid it back across the table to her, his expression relaxed but leaving no room for argument. “I’m sorry, but Eldrion Global already has other plans at the moment.”

Sylvie blinked, surprised.

Was that a rejection?

Watts glanced at her, his tone even and measured. “Eldrion Global evaluates partners on a variety of factors. My personal opinion doesn’t carry much weight- right now, the company has already set its sights elsewhere. President Fielding, thank you for coming all this way.”

Sylvie didn’t know what these “other plans” entailed.

But his meaning was clear enough; she saw no point in pressing further.

After the initial surprise, she found she could understand. Watts had just recently been brought back from abroad—he probably wasn’t in a position to make decisions on projects this big. Even if he wanted to support her, he’d still have to align with the company’s strategy. He wasn’t brushing her off; his explanation was honest and straightforward.

“No worries.” Sylvie nodded, keeping her composure and not dwelling on the rejection. She looked at Watts. “I hope we’ll have other chances to work together down the line.”

Watts stood, glancing at his watch. “Safe travels, President Fielding.”

He turned to instruct his assistant to see Sylvie out, never mentioning that he’d already chosen to partner with VistaLink Technologies.

He seemed busy-after the brief exchange, he headed upstairs without another word.

Sylvie watched his retreating back, then glanced at the assistant standing nearby. She started turning things over in her mind.

Last time she’d invited Watts to her art show, he’d never responded. Now, at least, he was polite enough to have his assistant see her out. He seemed like a considerate person. So why hadn’t he replied to her texts?

Pushing the thought away, she left the building.

Today was results day. She’d already made a reservation at a restaurant to treat

her friends and had arranged for Jarrod to join them as well.

She had a pretty good sense of how she’d done—she felt confident.

By the time evening rolled around, Sylvie arrived at the private dining room to find Maurice and the others already there.

Just before she walked in, her phone rang-Octavia’s cheerful voice came through, brimming with excitement. “Is it time to check the results?”

Jarrod looked up at that.

Sylvie met his gaze as she answered Octavia, walking straight over to sit beside him.

With a gentle smile, Sylvie replied to Octavia, “Yeah, I checked.”

“So many people here to celebrate you, but you only have eyes for Jarrod, huh?” Maurice teased from across the table, shaking his head.

Sylvie just smiled, her eyes lingering softly on Jarrod’s profile.

Jarrod turned to her. “You saw your score?”

Sylvie’s lips curled up, calm and collected. “Mm. Four thirty-two. I think that’s solid.”

“So high?” Octavia’s gasp of admiration rang out from the phone. Now this was

the sister-in-law she’d been hoping for-talented and beautiful!

Joseph looked thoughtful.

And Elodie… What about her?

Maurice stared in disbelief. “Sylvie, you’re too modest.”

“Genius is genius! You barely prepped and still got that high-should be first place, right?”

He paused for a second, then gave her a knowing grin. “Now I’m really curious… how did Elodie score?”