Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2911

Claire glanced over, her lips curving in a half-smile. "Ms. Jarvis, you studied literature, didn't you? Even your toasts sound so refined. Honestly, it's fortunate that Mr. Bard is so talented—otherwise, he might not even get to enjoy a cup of tea from someone like you!"

Sylvia responded calmly, "But didn't Mr. Bard start it? Claire, are you talking about me, or about Mr. Bard?"

The others were momentarily stunned, and even Nash looked toward Sylvia in surprise. Her remark, while it put Claire on the spot, also risked offending Mr. Bard. This wasn't Sylvia's usual, diplomatic style.

Claire clearly hadn’t anticipated Sylvia’s directness. She forced an awkward laugh, "I'm just admiring the talent between you and Mr. Bard—it was just a joke, Ms. Jarvis, don’t take it too seriously. You're making my heart race!"

Sylvia replied, more seriously, "At your age, Claire, a racing heart might be a cardiovascular issue. It’s something you shouldn't ignore."

Claire was left speechless.

Someone as quick-witted as Claire had never lost a verbal exchange before. It took all her self-control not to get up and lash out.

She managed to squeeze out a smile anyway, "You really do have a way with jokes, Ms. Jarvis."

Sylvia smiled gently, "We're all friends here. No harm in a little banter."

"Of course," Claire ground out through clenched teeth.

With so many prominent people at the table, Claire couldn’t risk losing her composure. Avoiding further conversation with Sylvia, she turned instead to Gabriel, gracefully refocusing the discussion to introduce The Lane Group’s electronic security systems—though not without exaggerating their capabilities here and there.

When Claire finished, Gabriel finally responded, "That advanced, really?"

Claire quickly nodded. "The Lane Group has a strong track record!"

The two raised their cups to each other across the table; after Sylvia sat down again, Nash covertly gave her a thumbs-up. Honestly, even as the company owner, he’d have had to read from his notes to relay all that information. Yet Sylvia recited everything perfectly from memory, and with complete ease—he truly admired her.

Sylvia, meanwhile, was quietly relieved that Gabriel hadn’t pressed her for even more technical details; otherwise, she might’ve been the one left embarrassed.

While Sylvia’s side was satisfied, Oscar and Claire both looked rather upset.

Inside, Claire was frustrated: she was just handling public relations, not an actual executive assistant—how could she have guessed Mr. Bard would ask such pointed questions?

Still, since both companies were rivals, knowing your own strengths inside and out was just part of the job. She could only blame herself for not being fully prepared.

All she could do now was focus on proving herself in what came next.