Sylvie stood frozen for a few seconds before snapping out of it. She pressed her brows together and nodded. “Alright.”

She ended the call.

Her face was pale.

This had come out of nowhere.

VistaLink Technologies and Elodie had gone straight to the authorities? Why? “What happened?” Selma noticed Sylvie’s expression and couldn’t help but ask. Sylvie pressed her lips together and stood up. “The police just called. They say I’m involved in a case about the leak of VistaLink Technologies’ proprietary technology. I need to go in for questioning.”

Selma’s face changed instantly. “Is this about Terrence? How did it suddenly become a leak of their trade secrets?! Wasn’t Neural Intelligence supposed to sue Elodie?”

“I don’t know. I really don’t.” Sylvie ran a hand through her hair, trying to steady herself. “Something’s off. I have a feeling this could turn in unexpected ways.”

Ever since Neural Intelligence started negotiating with VistaLink Technologies about the alleged plagiarism, VistaLink had never made any public statements. They just let things escalate, and even industry insiders had begun to think VistaLink was guilty-trying to let the scandal blow over by keeping their heads down.

Suddenly, something clicked in Sylvie’s mind.

She grabbed her phone and checked VistaLink Technologies’ official site. Sure enough—

VistaLink had posted a police report receipt along with a tough, no-compromise statement. The announcement directly accused Neural Intelligence of likely acquiring their code and some technical solutions through illegal means—whether by methods, channels, or personnel.

All color drained from Sylvie’s face.

So VistaLink Technologies had been preparing behind the scenes all along!

“Will this police report affect you? Wasn’t it VistaLink that plagiarized? How did this become a leak of their own secrets?” Selma was starting to lose her calm as well, her voice icy. “I swear, Elodie’s just trying to drag your name through the mud on purpose!”

Sylvie’s mind was a tangled mess. She frowned hard. “I have to deal with this.”

She hurried out the door.

And called Jarrod.

He answered, steady as always. “I saw VistaLink Technologies’ statement.”

Sylvie rubbed her brow. “Jarrod, I think they’ve turned the tables on me. The police want me in for questioning.”

He must have been busy-there was

a two-second pause before he

ed, “Just go and hear what they e to say. It’ll be alright.”

His calm reassured her.

If Jarrod said it would be alright, then somehow, it would be.

Besides—it was VistaLink Technologies that had stolen from them. What did any of this have to do with her?

The process at the police station was tedious and slow.

But then Sylvie learned something she hadn’t expected- Terrence was missing.

The officers told her they couldn’t get in touch with him.

Sylvie’s heart thudded hard in her chest, her fingers clenching unconsciously. A

wave of dread washed over her.

Something was wrong…

Why would Terrence disappear right at this crucial moment?

“VistaLink Technologies has presented evidence today that disproves your team’s claim of developing the source code and certain technical solutions. If the ongoing investigation finds that trade secrets were leaked, or that defamation, infringement, or public statements from Neural Intelligence caused VistaLink Technologies significant financial losses…

As the person in charge, if you participated in or authorized any actions before the investigation is complete, you will be held legally responsible-potentially facing criminal charges. So, Ms. Fielding, we ask that you continue to

cooperate with the investigation and

remain available for further questioning at any time.”

Sylvie’s face fell. Her lips had gone completely white.