How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 289

Other than the familiar scent of his cologne, Elodie caught the faintest trace of women's perfume clinging to the jacket.

Most likely, another woman had worn it before her, or at least brushed against it.

Her expression grew colder. Without a second thought, she shoved the jacket back into the crook of Jarrod's arm.

"Thanks, but I don't need it."

Her movements were crisp and decisive, not bothering to disguise her distance or rejection.

Jarrod didn't seem the least bit bothered. It was almost as if he'd anticipated Elodie's reaction all along. He draped the jacket back over his arm with an easy grace, unphased by her attitude.

Casually, he said, "The military's procurement tender-VistaLink Technologies is putting in a bid, aren't they?"

Elodie paused.

So Jarrod knew about that, too.

"I imagine VistaLink Technologies understands how fierce the competition will be this time. If you're not certain you can win, it could be

you suggesting, Mr. Silverstein?" Elodie cut in, her voice calm

faint smile tugging at

partnering up with Neural Intelligence. Your team has an edge in innovative tech development, while we'll have Nexus Analytics on board to

Understanding dawned on Elodie.

come over to talk—or tried to drape his jacket over her shoulders in a show of concern. So, he wasn't just being

seize their first big break by leveraging

told, a joint bid was a solid, pragmatic strategy-Jarrod was right about that, and time was running short. Even if

timed his

Technologies wasn't hers alone to command; she had no intention of making unilateral

prototype room, Elodie went to

she found Jarrod and Sylvie nearby as

ever happened between them, and the

time. It really solidified my decision to become his student—I'll do my best to get in. But right now, I'm focused on my thesis. Dr. Sterling, would you mind asking

tone was warm and sincere, clearly eager