Elodie hadn't expected this turn of events, but she couldn't say she was surprised.

An event this important-of course Jarrod wouldn't pass up the chance to polish Sylvie's reputation for all to see.

Still...

"I'm sorry, Alex. You went to all this trouble for nothing." Elodie felt a pang of guilt for dragging Alexander into the ongoing feud between her, Jarrod, and Sylvie.

It would've helped VistaLink Technologies if she'd been given the spotlight, but Jarrod hadn't offered her that chance.

Alexander frowned, but tried to reassure her. "Don't worry about it. Our seats are right next to Mr. Patrick. There'll be plenty of time to talk, and we'll have other chances to network."

But just as they were about to find their seats, a staff member approached Elodie and said, "I'm sorry, Ms. Thorne. There's been a change in the guest list. Your seat has been reassigned to Table Two. Thank you for understanding."

Elodie glanced up.

Her original spot in the front row was now occupied-Sylvie sat there, already settled in.

Next to Sylvie, Jarrod sipped his tea, utterly nonchalant, not even sparing Elodie a glance.

It had been her seat. He'd handed it over to Sylvie without the slightest effort or hint of remorse.

The staffer looked at Elodie with genuine apology.

Elodie pressed her lips together. "That's fine."

Alexander, still caught up at the front with some VIPS, didn't notice what was happening; she had no intention of making a scene.

Besides, Alexander belonged up front-his own achievements earned him the seat, and having Charlie, the renowned aerospace scientist, as a father didn't hurt. He belonged in that circle.

was just a nobody Alexander had brought along-a face

and with his status, no one would refuse him. Compared

what she was

to pitch her ideas to someone like

she sat down at Table Two, she

from his phone, eyes flickering

let out a quiet, mocking

looked away, absorbed

them-she was here to

in matching outfits? Was it really just

How ridiculous.

Maurice's attitude, and she ignored him

began to

and slipped out

a fever, and a dull ache twisted in her stomach. Even walking felt unsteady-she just wanted a

expect to run into

conversation,

a sharp pain shot through her abdomen, making her knees buckle for

reacted instantly, catching her arm. "Are

away without hesitation. "Thank you," she

watching her with pursed lips. "Have I

she really just going

him in the eye, and said frankly, "Yes.

She was blunt-too blunt.

taken aback, caught off

standing there in a daze

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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