Sylvie spent three days handling the Neural Intelligence project remotely, letting thetest drama die down. With so much happening every day, all it takes is a little time for people to forget.


    This time, Jarrod had stepped in and solved the immediate crisis for her. Most of the negative posts had been taken care of, and she felt a weight lift from her shoulders. But she knew—even if those posts were aimed at her, they worried Jarrod too.


    No matter how big the problem, Jarrod always managed to shield her, making sure nothing touched her. Eventually, everyone would get the message: in Jarrod''s eyes, Elodie meant nothing, and the smart ones would choose sides ordingly.


    On Thursday, Sylvie made a trip into the office-she had a meeting with a client that had been scheduled in advance. She arrived at the client''spany a little after three in the afternoon. As soon as she stepped inside, the receptionist greeted her with a polite but pointed smile.


    "Ms. Fielding, I''m sorry, but Mr. ck says your proposal has a lot of issues that need to be fixed. Everyone''s time is valuable, so we''d appreciate it if your team could be more thorough in the future."


    Sylvie frowned, surprised by this sudden change in tone. Communication had always been smooth with this client.


    "Didn''t we already get approvalst time?" she asked, keeping her irritation in check.


    The receptionist remained unruffled. "That was then. If there are problems, we have to address them. If you''re not willing to cooperate, perhaps we need to reconsider this partnership."


    Sylvie pressed her lips together, realizing they were deliberately picking faults, but she couldn''t afford to burn any bridges. "Understood. I''ll have my team revise the proposal."


    "Thank you, Ms. Fielding. Pleasee back once the changes are made."


    Sylvie left with a stony expression. It was obvious what was happening. Where once there''d been respect and friendly negotiation, now every minor issue was being dragged into the spotlight. This was the first real setback she''d faced since returning home. The receptionist''s words weren''t rude, but the difference in attitude stung.


    She knew exactly where this change came from Before, everyone had treated her with deference because they assumed she was destined to be Mrs. Silverstein. Now, with Elodie in the picture, people were sticking to protocol and treating her like any other business contact.


    By evening, Maurice had organized a gathering, and after a moment''s hesitation, Sylvie decided to go. The get-together was at an upscale club, and a few people had already arrived when she walked in. No one paid her any special attention-after all, in their circle, only Jarrod''s favor really mattered.


    ?


    "d you made it." Maurice nced over his shoulder as she arrived. "Jarrod will


    be here soon. Want a drink while you wait?"


    Sylvie nodded and had just taken a seat when Queenie Jett came over. "Sylvie?" she called, her eyes lighting up.


    Sylvie smiled at her. "Where''s Mr. Harcourt? Did hee with you?"


    Queenie beamed happily. "He''s over there talking investment funds. I didn''t feel like listening in."


    Sylvie nced at Queenie''s stomach-she was so slender, it was nearly impossible to tell she was pregnant.


    Queenie leaned in, her tone suddenly meaningful. "And you and Mr. Silverstein...? Honestly, you shouldn''t worry. Everyone knows how brilliant you are; Elodie just can''tpare. Even her education doesn''t match yours."


    Sylvie looked at her, a bit surprised by the unexpectedfort. "It''s fine. Jarrod and I are doing well," she replied, keeping it brief.


    Queenie handed her a ss of wine. "Exactly. I doubt Mr. Silverstein has any real feelings for Elodie. After all, who wants someone who''s always ying the field? I think you and Mr. Silverstein are meant to be. It''s only a matter of time."