Chapter 454
It was impossible not to be affected, even just a little.
By the time Selma returned, her face was tight with frustration.
“These people are so shortsighted. They don’t even know who Jarrod is protecting, and they’re already picking sides!” she snapped.
Sylvie closed her eyes briefly, steadying herself before replying coolly, “It’s fine. I’ll talk things over with Jarrod, and once he knows, he’ll handle it right away.”
Selma had no doubts about that. Still, she couldn’t help but feel stung by the situation.
“Elodie really is her mother’s daughter-pretending nothing matters to her, but underneath, she’s calculating and ruthless, always scheming. If she hadn’t pulled this stunt and brought in Henrietta, you and Jarrod might have already—” “Mom,” Sylvie cut her off, her tone weary. “That doesn’t matter anymore. Jarrod was cornered. His grandmother was right there, and he had to think of the Silverstein Group’s reputation. He couldn’t just reject Elodie outright.”
With so many people present, it was impossible to keep everything under wraps. Jarrod had a lot to juggle; she understood how difficult his position was.
Selma fell silent, thinking it over. “For people in our circle, this isn’t even a real scandal—just a passing bit of gossip. It’ll blow over soon enough. But the live- stream clips need to be handled-shut down the rumors quickly.”
“Lay low for a while,” she advised.
Staring at her phone, Sylvie frowned and nodded. “I know.”
Jarrod was still caught up with work, but just then, Sylvie’s phone buzzed with another call.
It was Grady.
She remembered the look on his face earlier. After a moment’s hesitation, Sylvie answered.
Grady wanted to meet.
Sylvie needed the distraction, so she agreed. They arranged to meet near the villa.
“Is there something important you wanted, Mr. Mercer?” Sylvie’s expression was composed, her pride undiminished. She didn’t look the least bit broken.
Seeing her holding herself together, Grady relaxed a little.
He’d seen the news and was worried how Sylvie was handling it.
“I just wanted to check on you,” he said, concern and confidence mingling in his voice. “Ignore the gossip. The outside world doesnt know the truth. Don’t let their words get to you.” Deep down, he trusted her Sylvie was strong at her core, and he knew she could weather this.
Sylvie could see his anxiety but kept her usual gentle poise. “Thank you, Mr. Mercer.”
Grady hesitated, searching for his
words, then finally spoke up. “Ms. Fielding, just want you to
know-you’re an incredible woman. You have everything: beauty, talent, strength. You deserve so much more. If you stay with Mr.
in
Silverstein… you’ll only be holding yourself back.”
After all, Jarrod was married.
Grady couldn’t understand how a man in Jarrod’s position could end up with someone like Elodie—a
the
kitchen, utterly dependent on
woman who’d spent years, let
and only made waves because her family poured endless resources into her. If Alexander hadn’t pushed her forward as a convenient shield, would Elodie really have managed to take credit for the other engineers’ work at VistaLink Technologies, claiming she developed the flight control system on her own?
Sylvie, on the other hand, was flawless-she was the kind of woman anyone
would be proud to have at their side.
She didn’t deserve to be criticized.
Sylvie understood Grady’s feelings for her-not just his, but others’ too. She knew.
But still…
“Thank you, but Jarrod and I have our own arrangements.”
Grady clenched his fists, gathering his courage. He looked her in the eye. “But he has a wife. Why not let him go? I… I could offer you a life out in the open.”