Watts finally revealed the source of his materials, resolving the tense impasse with perfect timing.

Anyone watching would agree-he'd just saved the day.

A flurry of thoughts raced through Elodie's mind; she couldn't pretend she wasn't surprised.

This material was so rare that even overseas, only a handful of companies had access to it. It was a cornerstone of military power and cutting-edge technology, a ticket to absolute influence and, even more, to unimaginable profit.

It was the kind of prize that could drive investors into a frenzy.

Until now, only Jarrod had managed to secure it domestically, making the entire industry—and even the continent-reliant on his production process.

Yet Watts, it turned out, had it too. He'd never breathed a word, not the faintest hint...

Not until this very moment.

Suddenly, Elodie realized just how deep a game this young man was playing.

She instinctively glanced at Jarrod.

He sat with patrician poise, leaning back and watching Watts, unhurried and unruffled.

He didn't seem surprised at all.

She waited for what

the other hand, was stunned. "Watts, are you absolutely

sly smile, sinking comfortably into his chair. "Mr. Whitaker, I am, after all, the next in line at Eldrion Global. With the company behind me,

Industries is, but supplying for the next year or

away. Honestly, I'd hoped to stay out of the domestic market, but with Silverstein's troubles, I felt it was only fair to offer the authorities another choice. No sense in letting a major research project

Aldridge, your timing is impeccable-not a

"Just looking out for the greater

exactly what

fact, two years ago-back in Verdania-they'd clashed over this material. Watts had been

very

catastrophic

called it

was again-back from

forced to choose between Eldrion

it's the greater good we're talking about," Jarrod said, stretching out his legs, "then let's be thorough. Not long ago, Elodie was caught up in a scandal-accused of falsifying data to boost my standing.

by the

authoritative institute in Verdania.

reputation is absolute; they

checks, and everyone knows their verdict is

was visibly taken

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