Waldron was genuinely intrigued.

Five years ago, U.N2 had been a technological breakthrough-ushering in a whole new era of innovation.

At all the top universities, promising tech students were drilled on the limited internal data U.N2 had made public. Professors treated it as a case study, a gold mine for learning and research.

So, when the project came up, Waldron couldn’t help himself—he launched into a passionate monologue, pacing back and forth as he spoke.

Jarrod listened attentively, occasionally interjecting with technical insights or counterpoints. Their conversation grew more animated, the room charged with the energy of shared curiosity.

At the height of his excitement, Waldron stood up and started jotting down his favorite data sets on the chalkboard behind him. “I’ve already discussed these numbers with some of the top students,” he admitted, scrawling rapidly, “but there’s always a ceiling for raw talent. Some grasp the principles right away, but very few can reach this level of understanding.”

Jarrod absently traced the rim of his coffee cup with his thumb. “There are a few remarkable candidates in this year’s competition,” he said thoughtfully. “They’ll go far-just give them time.”

He’d barely finished speaking when a staff member poked their head in. “Excuse me, sir-Ms. Fielding has arrived.”

Jarrod finally looked up, his expression calm and unhurried.

“Send her in,” Waldron said with a wave.

When Sylvie entered, she immediately spotted Jarrod. She already knew he was visiting the Ferguson estate—she’d bumped into Maurice at the hotel earlier, and he’d mentioned Jarrod was here.

She’d been thinking she ought to come meet Mr. Ferguson anyway; with the competition tomorrow, she could use some guidance.

“Jarrod?” she asked, strolling over without missing a beat. “What brings you here to see Mr. Ferguson?”

“Nothing complicated,” Jarrod replied honestly. “Just inviting Mr. Ferguson to attend the event tomorrow.”

Waldron shot Sylvie a glance, then fixed Jarrod with a knowing look. “Mr. Silverstein, your intentions are admirable.”

Sylvie instantly wondered-had Jarrod come here because of her?

That thought alone eased some of her earlier anxiety.

As she glanced around, her eyes landed on the chalkboard-packed with intricate numbers and formulas.

She stopped short, recognition dawning on her face. The value of those figures was obvious to anyone who knew the field.

Waldron noticed her gaze and moved to erase the board. “Just some rough notes,” he said casually. “Have a seat.”

Sylvie nodded and took a chair, but couldn’t resist asking a few technical questions-especially about code handling.

Waldron didn’t hold back. Using the logic behind U.N2, he tossed her a couple of

problems to solve, watching to see how she’d approach them.

Sylvie grasped the core ideas almost immediately, her eyes lighting up with understanding.

Waldron studied her for a moment, then glanced over at Jarrod before speaking, “This competition has the attention of some very important people. There are already several rising stars on the radar. If you manage to make the top three tomorrow…”

He poured a cup of tea and slid it toward her. “Well, I might just consider mentoring you myself.”

Sylvie stared at him, stunned and then, as the realization sank in, she broke into a wide smile. She hadn’t expected this at all.

“Mr. Ferguson, I won’t let you down,” she promised, her voice steady.

Waldron nodded, then looked pointedly at Jarrod, who hadn’t said a word. “Don’t thank me,” Waldron said, “thank Mr. Silverstein for opening this door for you.”

The meaning was clear—Jarrod’s influence had played a part.

Sylvie turned to Jarrod, her gratitude evident.

He didn’t say anything-just raised his cup in a silent toast with Waldron.

By the time Sylvie left the Ferguson estate, her spirits were soaring. She felt more confident, her mind

buzzing with ideas, and she was

actually looking forward to

tomorrow now.

It felt like coming here today had been the best decision she’d made in weeks.

Still riding that wave of optimism, she reached the hotel entrance. Glancing inside, she caught Jarrod’s eye and, with a composed smile, maintained her graceful poise as she teased, “Jarrod, if I walk away with first prize tomorrow, will you consider marrying me?”