How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue novel Chapter 194

Sylvie's words were, in a way, perfectly reasonable.

After all, everyone at the table was a businessperson, and the investment world was known for its stringent and intricate project evaluations.

From her perspective, if VistaLink Technologies truly had the backing of someone as distinguished as Professor Charles Sterling, it would be a shame to let an unknown newcomer jeopardize the project's prospects.

Elodie met Sylvie's gaze with a cold, steady look, then calmly turned away.

"That's really an internal matter for VistaLink Technologies to worry about," she said, her voice cool and measured—devoid of any discernible emotion, yet cutting straight to the heart of the issue.

Sylvie hesitated, a flicker of surprise flashing across her eyes.

Even Jarrod, sitting across the table, watched Elodie's composed face with a look that was hard to decipher. He narrowed his eyes slightly but chose not to comment.

Grady and Naylor exchanged glances, both clearly caught off guard by how effortlessly Elodie had tossed the question back at them.

Naylor frowned a little. Was this really the way to address potential investors?

Grady, for his part, softened his tone, offering a half-smile that was as much a probe as it was a pleasantry. "Mr. Sterling, everyone knows your engineers and technical staff at VistaLink Technologies are all graduates of the top schools. Their expertise isn't in question. But as far as I'm aware, Ms. Thorne only holds a bachelor's degree. If she's joining the project team—and sharing the rewards—do the others have no complaints?"

Everyone knew how much blood, sweat, and sleepless nights went into a project like this. Who would want to see an outsider walk away with a share of the success?

Naylor considered this, then added with a polite smile, "Mr. Sterling, you're seeking funding, and it's only natural that the team composition falls within the scope of our due diligence. It's understandable that people are confused."

Alexander glanced over at Elodie, feeling a rare stab of frustration. The confidentiality period for the UN.2 defense project, which Elodie had co-developed, hadn't yet expired—still about six months to go. And yes, on paper, Elodie only had a bachelor's degree. No matter how much he vouched for her, people who already dismissed her as little more than a housewife would never believe she could hold her own.

"I can appreciate your concerns," Alexander said, his tone even but firm. "It's only natural to be cautious about investing. But Elodie's name is officially on the team. If any of you have doubts, then maybe this just isn't the right opportunity for us to work together."

His message was crystal clear: he'd rather walk away from the deal than compromise on Elodie's place.

Naylor's eyes widened in surprise.