Jarrod was meeting with Joseph when Jason’s call came through.

Jason didn’t mince words. VistaLink Technologies had called him directly, giving their decision with absolute finality.

No room for negotiation.

Not even a hint of compromise.

Not a single unnecessary word.

Jarrod’s eyes darkened as he listened, a flicker of emotion surfacing in his gaze before he finally replied, “Understood.”

Jason hesitated, wanting to say more, but hung up.

Mr. Silverstein was taking this far too calmly.

He’d always known Sylvie could be proud-how could she not be? She’d been a prodigy since childhood, breezing through every hurdle, celebrated at every turn, and cherished by Mr. Silverstein himself. It was inevitable that she might overlook a few things in her dealings with others.

This should’ve been a simple matter-Ms. Fielding just needed to clarify things with VistaLink Technologies. Yet now, with the demand to replace her, Mr. Silverstein remained unruffled?

Maybe it made sense.

Handing the project lead back to a Nexus Analytics veteran was the safest move. Still, if things got too messy, he didn’t want to risk the entire partnership.

Sylvie, seated nearby, caught a few snippets of the conversation. Her expression grew pensive-she hadn’t seen this coming.

In her mind, VistaLink Technologies’ requirements had been overly idealistic;

she’d simply wanted to work through the issues with them. Who knew they’d have so little patience for negotiation?

Sensing the tension, Joseph asked, “What happened?”

Sylvie pressed her lips together.

Jarrod answered coolly, “VistaLink Technologies requested that Sylvie be replaced.”

Joseph was genuinely surprised.

He knew Sylvie had taken charge of the VistaLink Technologies project at Nexus Analytics. He’d even speculated that, given the frequent collaboration between the two companies, Sylvie and Elodie would cross paths often.

He’d considered that there might be friction-either personality clashes or bumps in the road during cooperation.

But he hadn’t expected VistaLink Technologies to suddenly demand her removal.

At a nearby table, Naylor overheard and turned around in surprise. “Did Ms. Fielding make a mistake? Or did she offend someone at VistaLink Technologies?” Sylvie’s composure returned. “It’s the start of the partnership. There hasn’t been time for mistakes.”

So, she must’ve offended someone?

Everyone present found their thoughts drifting to Elodie.

Naylor gave a short laugh. “Ms. Fielding, sometimes being too good at what you do just puts a target on your back. No one can blame you for that.”

Sylvie was honestly shocked by how unreasonable VistaLink Technologies was being. She prided herself on her professionalism-her only “fault” was raising legitimate concerns, which some people had apparently seized upon to criticize her.

Joseph said nothing, frowning as he mulled things over.

He’d worked with Elodie before and could tell she wasn’t the type to scheme behind the scenes. There were too many moving parts in a collaboration like this —it was never just one person’s fault.

“I’m fine with it,” Sylvie said, crossing her legs and making her position clear. “If VistaLink Technologies can’t assess my abilities objectively, I won’t force the issue. I’ll withdraw myself.”

Naylor was taken aback.

Sylvie was bowing out on her own terms-she had no intention of wasting time playing games with VistaLink Technologies or pandering to their power plays.

“So what about the partnership with VistaLink Technologies?” Joseph asked, getting to the heart of the matter.

Jarrod, head lowered, toyed with the metal lighter in his hand, clearly deep in thought.

Sylvie turned to him with an easy smile. “Don’t worry about me, Jarrod. Nexus Analytics can still work with VistaLink Technologies moving forward. We can’t control what others think, but we can set aside personal feelings and keep our eyes on the real goal-making the project a success.”

Jarrod met her gaze.

After a pause, he asked quietly, “Are you sure you’re okay with this?”

Sylvie’s smile was genuine. “I’m stepping down because I want to this is my choice.”

Not because anyone else pushed her out.

She hoped VistaLink Technologies understood that.

Besides, even if she missed the chance to work under Dr. Charlie Sterling on this project, there would be more opportunities to join his research team down the line.