Chapter 39

Elodie paused for a split second when she heard the words “Mr. Silverstein’s girlfriend.”

So, he was willing to acknowledge his relationship within the company.

He would declare his love openly.

He would give Sylvie free rein to move about as she pleased at work.

He would make sure she felt safe and accepted.

To Jarrod, only Sylvie was worth all of this, wasn’t she?

Esmeralda’s smile was icy and insincere. “Girlfriend? So she’s not even an employee at Nexus Analytics?”

Sylvie replied with a gentle smile, “Jarrod granted me special permission to train on-site at Nexus Analytics. I’m not officially on the payroll, but I’ll be helping evaluate this project.”

So, Elodie thought, if they were here to negotiate materials for manufacturing, Sylvie would be allowed to give her opinion too?

Elodie couldn’t help but knit her brows.

Jarrod had given Sylvie so many exceptions.

She wasn’t even an employee, yet she could come and go in the confidential sample rooms, review manufacturing and 3D model blueprints, and even participate in major production meetings?

Jason quickly clarified, “You both have nothing to worry about. Ms. Fielding is more than qualified. Mr. Silverstein said she can be briefed on all the particulars, and if anything goes wrong, he’ll take full responsibility.”

Esmeralda nearly laughed out of pure anger.

She was indignant for Elodie’s sake!

The divorce wasn’t even finalized, and Jarrod was already grooming the new woman for the role.

Elodie said nothing.

She was remembering how she used to think Jarrod was just cold and rigid, obsessed with rules-that’s why he never allowed her any exceptions.

He wouldn’t let her step into his office.

Wouldn’t allow her to greet him at work.

Wouldn’t let her mention, even in passing, that he was her husband.

Wouldn’t let her anywhere near a Silverstein Group project.

So it wasn’t the rules that mattered. It was that, to him, she wasn’t worth making an exception for.

Even when she wore the title Mrs. Silverstein, she was never as important to him as Sylvie was-Sylvie, who was cherished and preferred.

“If you want to discuss the specs for the components,” Sylvie said gracefully, “I’m afraid you’ll need to wait a bit longer, Ms. Mercer. I have to check on the progress in the sample room first. Jason will take good care of you while I’m gone.” She nodded, glancing at Jason.

Jason immediately flashed a smile. “Why don’t I show you both the 3D modeling work first?”

But Elodie could see how much Jason deferred to Sylvie.

Technically, Jason was the highest-ranking manager here.

Yet Sylvie’s authority seemed to surpass his.

Why? Because Jarrod gave her carte blanche.

Even facing Elodie, Sylvie didn’t so much as flinch.

That confidence came from being loved.

Esmeralda finally couldn’t hold back any longer; she was truly about to be sick.

Sylvie could act this high and mighty even in front of Jarrod’s actual wife? Wasn’t that a bit much?

“I’m a shareholder at VistaLink Technologies,” Esmeralda said, her expression a mockery of a smile. “Since Ms. Fielding isn’t officially employed here, you have no right to keep us waiting. I expect to speak with someone at my level. Ms. Fielding, what is your rank here that you think you can negotiate with me?”

Jarrod might have granted Sylvie special privileges, but she was still not management.

Sylvie looked at Esmeralda, her expression cool and unchanged.

She was honestly surprised-Esmeralda was a company owner, yet couldn’t keep things professional?

And she let Elodie’s words cloud her judgment and actions.

With a management style like this, VistaLink Technologies would never amount to much.

Besides, Elodie seemed to enjoy painting her in the worst light to others.

Otherwise, why would both Alexander and Esmeralda be so prejudiced against her?

Finally, Sylvie glanced at Elodie and said, “Ms. Mercer, I would prefer to keep things professional. If you’re uncomfortable, I can arrange for Jason to handle your questions. After all, our priority is this partnership, isn’t it?”

Esmeralda scoffed.

Oh, so now Sylvie was trying to show how big-hearted she was?

Jason, stuck between the two sides, looked helpless.

He didn’t understand how the atmosphere had soured so quickly, but with Sylvie being Mr. Silverstein’s girlfriend, he felt he had to show her respect.

Elodie stopped Esmeralda from saying something harsher, keeping their focus on the real reason they’d come. “Jason, could we talk about the next steps, please?”

Jason let out a small sigh of relief, shooting Elodie a grateful look.

Thank goodness someone was willing to defuse the tension-otherwise, he wouldn’t have known which side to take.

Sylvie, for her part, didn’t seem the least bit bothered by Esmeralda’s attitude. She simply said, “I’ll leave you to it,” and walked away.

She came and went as she pleased.

Esmeralda sneered, “What an act.”

Elodie turned to Jason. “Let’s have a look at the sample room.”

Now more than ever, Jason felt Elodie was the calmer, wiser one compared to Esmeralda. He spoke with extra care. “You might not realize it, but it’s not that Ms. Fielding has no real authority-Mr. Silverstein trusts her completely, and their relationship is very close. I wouldn’t be surprised if they get married soon.”

“So, really, there’s no slight intended. When Ms. Fielding talks with you, it’s as if Mrs. Silverstein herself were sitting at the table.”