Chapter 461
Jarrod didn’t pursue the previous topic with Ivan any further.
As soon as he spotted Queenie, he strode into the private room without another word.
Ivan glanced at Queenie. “What are you doing out here?”
Queenie slipped an arm around his waist. “What were you two talking about just now?”
He looked down at her. “Do you really want to know?”
She hadn’t expected Ivan to be so blunt-her smile faltered for a moment.
But Ivan had no intention of elaborating. He just gave her back a gentle pat. “I’m going out for a smoke.”
As he slipped from her embrace, Queenie held back the question that was burning on her tongue.
The moment Jarrod entered, Sylvie noticed him right away and waved. “Jarrod, over here.”
He met her gaze and made his way over.
Maurice was chatting with Sylvie. When he saw Jarrod approach, he said, “Took some effort to get you out here. Did you talk things through with Elodie? I think maybe you should have a word with her-try to keep her from saying anything that could damage Sylvie’s reputation.”
After all, once the news broke, plenty of people would be reaching out to Elodie for the inside scoop.
Jarrod took a seat, his expression calm. “She won’t talk.”
Sylvie looked at him, gratitude flickering in her eyes. “Thank you, Jarrod. I know you’ve gone out of your way for me.”
Frankly, if it hadn’t been for that so-called “proposal,” things wouldn’t have gotten so out of hand that day.
“It’s nothing,” Jarrod replied, his tone light. “How have you been these past couple of days? Any trouble?”
Sylvie hesitated, then shook her head. “Nothing I can’t handle. Don’t worry about me.”
She knew there would be obstacles, but she was determined to prove herself. “Good.” Jarrod didn’t press further.
The room was a little noisy. Sylvie scooted closer to Jarrod, lowering her voice. “There have been a few issues here and there, but once this blows over, I’d love to take a little vacation-clear my head. Wilbyou come with me? I don’t mind where, just… somewhere.”
She realized, suddenly, that they’d never traveled alone together before.
Maurice overheard and grinned. “So, even a little drama can’t get in the way of your date night, huh?”
Jarrod set down his glass. “Sure. Let’s do it.”
Sylvie looked up at him, her eyes curving with a smile.
The next morning.
When Elodie arrived at the office, she spotted Naylor deep in conversation with Alexander.
Her gaze swept over Naylor, cool and indifferent. She gave Alexander a quick update, then turned and walked into her office without so much as a nod to Naylor.
If ignoring someone were an art, she was a master.
Naylor had half-risen from his seat when he saw her, the words “MsØ Thorne already on his lips, but Elodie’s indifference left him feeling stung and exposed, as if a knife he’d thrown had boomeranged back at him. śwnovel
“Mr. Whitaker, did you want to speak with Ms. Thorne?” Alexander drawled, fully aware of Naylor’s discomfort.
Naylor caught the note of irony in Alexander’s voice. He was here to discuss a technical issue regarding VistaLink Technologies’ patents-and, if possible, have a word with Elodie.
Clearly, that wasn’t going to happen.
“Mr. Sterling, can I ask-did you always know about Ms. Thorne’s marriage?”
Alexander could see how desperate Naylor was for answers. He raised an eyebrow. “Or do you think I’ve lost my head and crossed a line with Elodie?”
The jab made Naylor flush red, then pale.
“Sorry, I misunderstood before,” Naylor said awkwardly. “I didn’t mean to target Ms. Thorne, it’s just that—”
“Just that, to everyone watching, Mr. Silverstein is clearly devoted to
Sylvie. Anyone can see they’re closer. You think our Elodie is just on
the sidelines, is that it?” Alexander’s
voice was icy, his gaze sharp.