How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 369

In this crowd, some people seemed to think every problem could be solved with petty scheming.

She couldn't agree less.

Now that Neural Intelligence had landed TerraCore Technologies as a partner, Elodie's antagonism struck her as even more childish and laughable.

The institute's open house had drawn in a mix of students from Verdant University, representatives from other firms-and even a few CEOs who, not long ago, had shown up at Selma's art exhibition just to save face with Jarrod. They all made a point of coming over to exchange pleasantries, working the room with practiced ease.

Several events were scheduled across the grounds that day.

Before long, Charlie arrived, striding across the lawn with a distinguished man in his forties. Their presence seemed to infuse the gathering with fresh energy.

Elodie recognized the man beside the academic: Professor Abbott, the very first doctoral student the institute's founder had ever mentored. With his wire-rimmed glasses and gentle composure, Abbott exuded quiet sophistication.

Catching sight of him, Sylvie greeted Abbott with polite warmth. "Professor."

he noticed Elodie. He paused

ever so

discomfort, leaned in and murmured, "Don't let it bother you. Elodie is Mr. Sterling's student now-of course Professor Abbott would greet her. Without the academic's endorsement, she wouldn't be

lips curving into a wry smile. "I know. It doesn't bother

taken it to

her voice until only he could hear.

soothing. "You'll be fine. There's nothing to

a small, grateful

was escorting Abbott over to brief the event coordinators about which areas

surprise in their tone. "I never quite understood it-why didn't Ms. Fielding choose Mr. Sterling in the end? I

common knowledge that Sylvie's original goal had

was Elodie who ended up as Mr. Sterling's

their eyes drifting toward Elodie. Had Ms. Thorne really outmaneuvered