Chapter 565
Klein, who represented the military, wore a grim expression as he turned to Sylvie. “Sylvie, I’ll need your full cooperation as we continue the investigation.”
The atmosphere instantly reached a boiling point.
No one could have anticipated things would escalate this far.
Across the room, Watts fell silent for a long while before finally fixing his gaze on Elodie. A complicated mix of emotions flickered in his eyes. He’d always known Elodie was extraordinary-maybe even more capable than he was—but he’d never imagined she’d be caught up in something like this.
Now, faced with the result, Sylvie seemed to freeze, her breathing ragged as she stared across at Waldron, who sat calmly at the head table. For the first time, she lost her composure in public, utterly bewildered. How had it come to this?
Waldron noticed Sylvie’s look. His eyes narrowed, a cold smirk curling at his lips. “You’ve got some nerve. That was a risky move-did you ever consider the consequences?”
Of course he understood what had happened.
Yesterday had been the only chance Sylvie had to get close.
No matter whose technical data it was-Elodie’s or not-Sylvie’s actions were reprehensible. Like a desperate gambler, she’d assumed those numbers belonged to Waldron, so she’d memorized and reused them without a second thought.
Did she really think he wouldn’t call her out in public? Or that he simply wouldn’t notice?
It was nothing but petty trickery.
She’d made her choice; now she would have to face the consequences.
Waldron glanced at Klein, his tone frosty. “I’m aware of some of the details. If needed, I’m available to assist with the inquiry.”
His words hung in the air.
Sylvie suddenly felt hollow, as if all hope had drained from her in a single moment.
She couldn’t think of any way to salvage the situation.
She’d wrestled with her conscience the night before, but now, given how things had unfolded, she’d realized that if she didn’t take a gamble, she’d never have a chance to turn things around. She’d convinced herself that borrowing Waldron’s data might go unnoticed-perhaps he’d let it slide for the sake of appearances, and she’d secure her spot on the “national team.” Maybe Waldron would even feel a sense of pride. It would be a win-win, she’d thought. But…
Waldron had given her no such consideration.
No matter how she tried to calculate her odds, she never expected the data to have come from Elodie. One careless misstep, and she’d fallen off a cliff.
But how could she resign herself to this?
Eyes rimmed red, Sylvie looked desperately toward Jarrod.
He finally stirred, but instead of returning her gaze, he addressed Klein. “Go ahead with the investigation.”
Just those few words.
Sylvie felt as if the air had been sucked from her lungs. She looked at him in panic, unsure if Jarrod might have some secret plan to save her.
But the situation was too grave this time. With the higher-ups involved, if her guilt was confirmed, she’d be blacklisted from the industry, not just at home but internationally. There would be no place left for her. Worse, she could face serious criminal charges-far more than she could ever bear.
Even Patricia, standing nearby, was stunned out of her daze. She stared at Jarrod, who remained perfectly composed, and suddenly realized something had been off for quite a white.
Sylvie was forced to step down.
She would have to undergo questioning and a formal investigation.
As she passed the VIP section on her way out, her face drained of color, she
couldn’t help but stop and look at Jarrod. “Jarrod!”
In that moment, she didn’t care about appearances anymore.
Jarrod glanced sideways at her, his expression unreadable.
He said nothing more.
A wave of despair crashed over Sylvie, leaving her numb and adrift.
She stared at him, pale and desperate.
But no one gave her another chance. She was promptly escorted away for questioning.
Once Sylvie was gone, Grady finally
snapped out of his shock and
whipped around to face Jar
Silverstein, why aren’t you
anything? Do something-help her!”
He rushed over, visibly agitated.
Maurice’s expression darkened; he turned and stopped Grady with a scowl. “Help
her? If you’re so eager to help, why don’t you take the fall for her?”
What a ridiculous thing to say.