Once the contract was signed, Elodie left with Esmeralda and returned to

VistaLink Technologies.

Word about Neural Intelligence had spread fast-even Alexander had heard about

it. The topic was already making waves across the industry.

Waldron, on the other hand, had yet to make any official statement.

Still, Neural Intelligence certainly knew how to market itself. At the very least, they’d managed to generate plenty of buzz.

It was clear there’d be another battle to fight down the road.

Alexander couldn’t help but admire Jarrod’s particular set of skills, but business was business—at the end of the day, it all came down to healthy competition between companies.

“Let’s set this aside for now.” Alexander turned his monitor so Elodie could see the email on the screen. “There’s an international tech conference in Verdania next week. They’ve invited us. Your new flight control system has caused quite a stir overseas, so both our names are on the list. How about a business trip next week?”

“Sounds good.”

Elodie didn’t think twice.

After all that had happened with Neural Intelligence, her reputation as an independent developer had finally reached international ears. She’d officially made a name for herself abroad.

Ever since she’d developed the U.N2, she’d had to sign a strict non-disclosure agreement and keep a low profile, so outside her field, she was practically unknown. But this time, she’d gained a lot—and it would definitely help VistaLink Technologies break into the global market.

A trip to Verdania was more than just international exposure; it was a chance to get a feel for the technological landscape abroad.

When she got home, she watered the gardenias lined up on her windowsill.

She was just about to take a shower and wind down for the night when she unexpectedly spotted a message from Elias.

Elias: [Ms. Thorne, if you’re available, you should come in for a check-up.]

Elodie had to admit, Elias was remarkably diligent about these things. She did a quick calculation—yes, it was about time for another appointment.

She replied that she’d come in the next day.

Elias: [Perfect, I’ll move some things around for you. Just check in when you get here.]

The following morning, Elodie arrived early. She was surprised to find that Elias’s appointments were in even higher demand than she’d imagined.

He was young for a specialist, with extensive experience abroad, not your average hospital doctor. No wonder the private clinic had gone out of its way to recruit him.

He ordered a series of tests and had his assistant guide her through the process.

Everything was handled with care and professionalism.

At a top-tier private clinic, the difference was obvious.

With her results in hand, Elodie returned to his office, where Elias examined each scan in detail.

His expression remained calm and steady-not the slightest hint of anxiety that might unsettle a patient.

Even so, Elodie couldn’t help feeling tense.

Elias glanced up, noticing the tight line of her lips, and spoke gently, “No need to worry. I’ve seen cases far trickier than this.”

Elodie let her fingers relax a little before she asked, “So… would a full hysterectomy be the safest option?”

Elias nodded. “Given the tumor’s

location, that’s the standard course. The good news is, there’s no evidence of metastasis yet. That puts you in a much better position than most.”

But the truth was, Elodie’s case was still considered severe.

He didn’t say it out loud, but after setting the scans aside, he continued, “I take it you’ve decided to go ahead with the hysterectomy. With the current techniques available here, that’s the most retiable approach. However…

He noticed how calmly Elodie seemed to accept the idea of surgery, so he softened his tone. “If you’re willing to put your trust in me, I’d like to propose another option for your post-op care. When I was working abroad, I wasn’t just treating patients-I was also involved in cancer drug development and surgical technique research. There are some newer treatments we could try. Admittedly, they might

seem a bit ‘aggressive’ by local standards, but it’s something to consider.”

Elias had always been bold in his approach to treatment, and understandably,

some patients were apprehensive.

After all, when there’s a safe, conservative route, who wants to take extra risks?

Elodie understood the implication-“aggressive” meant higher risk. But…

“Does that mean there’s a chance of preserving the uterus?”

“You could look at it that way.”