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.

didn't respond, he pressed on. "I imagine VistaLink Technologies understands how fierce the competition will be this time. If you're not certain

Elodie cut in,

expression, a faint

we'll have Nexus Analytics on board to ensure technical stability.

Understanding dawned on Elodie.

wonder Jarrod had suddenly come over to talk—or tried to drape his jacket over her shoulders in a show of concern. So, he wasn't just being friendly. He was here on business, after

joint bid sounded nice on the surface, but in reality, it was just a way for Neural Intelligence to seize their first big break by leveraging every available opportunity. Elodie didn't answer. She stepped past Jarrod and headed straight for the 3D prototype room, silently weighing

was a solid, pragmatic strategy-Jarrod was right about that, and time was running short. Even if VistaLink Technologies wanted to find another partner, it was probably too late to vet anyone thoroughly, much

had timed his proposal

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

the prototype room, Elodie went to meet up

found Jarrod

if nothing awkward had ever happened between them, and the issue of poaching employees

second glance. She turned to Alexander and said earnestly, "I chatted with Dr. Charlie Sterling about grad school last 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 the professor to look it over? If it's too much trouble,

was warm and sincere, clearly eager to