Chapter 66: Nathaniel Sloan Gives Noelle Lockwood No Face

Chapter 66: Chapter 66: Nathaniel Sloan Gives Noelle Lockwood No Face

Back then, Estelle had heard people gossiping.

"Only President Sloan, Luke, and Miss Noelle have their fingerprints registered for the CEO’s private elevator, right?"

"Yeah. I heard President Sloan specifically added her fingerprint so Miss Noelle could come see him whenever she wants. After all, she’s a daughter of the Lockwood family and a celebrity. It wouldn’t be good for her to squeeze into a crowded elevator with everyone else."

"Then why wasn’t that little maid who just delivered lunch allowed to use the private elevator?"

"Are you stupid? Noelle Lockwood is the future Mrs. Sloan. What is a little maid compared to her? How could she ride the same elevator as the future Mrs. Sloan?"

Estelle’s memories came rushing back. Seeing Noelle still putting on this hypocritical act, she cast a faint glance at her. "No, thank you."

Noelle pursed her lips into a soft smile. In the eyes of the bystanders, the future Mrs. Sloan was being incredibly welcoming to the head of their partner company.

"It’s alright, Miss Yara," she said. "Although this elevator isn’t usually open to others, Nathaniel won’t say much if you go up with me."

Over the years, Noelle had worked tirelessly to create the illusion of an intimate relationship between her and Nathaniel Sloan, so naturally, she wouldn’t miss any opportunity to flaunt it.

Estelle gave her a sidelong glance. "You’re overthinking things, Miss Lockwood. I’m heading to the HR department. Please go ahead without me."

Noelle choked on her words, feeling as though she had thrown a punch into a pile of cotton.

Suddenly, the CEO’s private elevator stopped on the first floor with a DING. Everyone subconsciously looked over.

"Nathaniel, what are you doing here?" Noelle asked, pleasantly surprised.

When she arrived at Evernight Tower, the front desk had called the CEO’s office. She hadn’t expected Nathaniel to actually come down!

It must have been because Christian Sloan had teased her yesterday. Even though Nathaniel had sent her away, he must have still felt guilty and come specifically to pick her up.

Thinking this, Noelle stepped forward with a radiant smile, eager to show off her special status. "I was just about to go looking for you. Oh, by the way, Miss Yara is here too, but she’s planning to go to the HR department."

Estelle furrowed her brows. Watching the two of them stand outside the exclusive elevator, the memories she had deliberately suppressed resurfaced once again.

Right at that moment, the regular elevator arrived. Estelle was just about to step inside when—

"Go to the conference hall on the thirtieth floor first. Luke White has already taken care of things at the HR department for you. Get ready for the meeting," Nathaniel said.

The crowd subconsciously snapped their heads toward their CEO.

Noelle’s face turned deathly pale. In sheer disbelief, her hands began to tremble slightly as she realized Nathaniel hadn’t come down to pick her up, but this woman.

Estelle was also stunned for a moment. She turned around. "Are you talking to me?"

Nathaniel’s eyes were calm as he countered, "Who else?"

Estelle raised an eyebrow. Suddenly catching a glimpse of Noelle’s twisted expression, her interest was piqued. "My apologies. I thought you had specifically dropped your work to come down and pick up Noelle."

Nathaniel shot her a sidelong glance. Without so much as looking at Noelle, he said to Estelle, "Come here and take this elevator."

He was pointing at the CEO’s private elevator.

Estelle chuckled softly. Curving her red lips into a smile, she stepped into the elevator. Noelle tried to follow her in, but Luke stopped her. "I’m sorry, Miss Noelle. The boss is going to a meeting with President Lockwood. Please take the regular elevator."

Instantly, a pin-drop silence fell over the entire lobby.

Noelle felt like she was going to faint. Not only had Nathaniel not come down for her, but he wouldn’t even let her on the elevator! In front of so many people, did he not care about her feelings at all? Nathaniel used to give her so many privileges just for her convenience. Why had things changed now?!

Estelle felt this scene was strikingly similar to five years ago. The only difference was that the people inside and outside the elevator had swapped places.

She curved her lips into a faint smile. At an angle unseen by the bystanders, she gently leaned against Nathaniel’s shoulder. "Miss Lockwood, I’m so sorry, but we’ll be heading up first."

Her warm breath brushed against his neck, sending a tremor through Nathaniel’s body.

Noelle was practically going mad with anger! What was this bitch Yara showing off for?!

But no matter how furious she was, the elevator doors slid shut anyway.

Inside the elevator, as soon as Noelle’s enraged face disappeared from view, Estelle immediately took two steps back, putting a full meter of distance between herself and Nathaniel. "Didn’t Ms. Sloan want to see me? Where is she?"

Seeing her step away, Nathaniel’s brows darkened. He quickly looked away. "There’s no rush. Let’s have the meeting first."

The theme of the meeting was to determine the flagship perfume for the first quarter. The executives of the perfume department had all gathered. Noelle walked in as well, deliberately taking a seat next to Nathaniel. Although she only held a nominal position at Evernight, she was still considered one of Evernight International’s executives, so no one stopped her.

Estelle was somewhat surprised by this woman’s thick skin. She had just suffered such a humiliating blow, yet barely fifteen minutes later, she was acting as if nothing had happened.

Nathaniel frowned slightly. However, since the meeting time had already arrived, kicking her out would only waste everyone’s time, so he spoke in a deep voice.

"Let me introduce everyone. This is Miss Yara, the Chief Perfumer of Star Group."

All the top executives applauded.

Nathaniel raised his hand casually, and the applause stopped instantly. His tone brokered no argument. "For this collaboration, Evernight will be divided into three departments. Going forward, all departments must cooperate with Miss Yara. She has absolute authority in this project."

The crowd was shocked. President Sloan had actually given this Perfumer such immense power! Shock aside, however, no one dared to question Nathaniel’s decision.

Nathaniel gave a faint nod. "Miss Lockwood has already reviewed everyone’s files. She will now appoint the head of each department."

Estelle dove straight into work, her tone entirely professional. "The PR and Marketing Department will be headed by Raina Gable. The Packaging Design Department will be headed by Zoe Holt. As for the R&D Department, I will personally lead the team."

The appointed department heads stood up, ready to report on their work. Just then, a soft female voice rang out.

"Wouldn’t this arrangement be a bit inappropriate?"

Estelle narrowed her eyes and looked over. "Miss Noelle Lockwood, do you have any brilliant insights to share?"

Noelle smiled gently. "They aren’t brilliant insights, per se. I just feel that the position of R&D head warrants further consideration. The heads of the other two departments are Evernight International’s own people.

"Yet when it comes to the R&D department, you, Miss Yara, are taking the helm. Isn’t that a bit unfitting?

"Although Miss Yara is in charge of the overall project, the perfume formulas and ingredients required by the R&D department are all provided by Evernight. Having an outsider manage them will inevitably lead to dissatisfaction among the staff. Nathaniel, I’m just worried about Miss Yara."

The conference room fell silent as everyone exchanged uncertain glances.

Nathaniel’s face remained devoid of any extra emotion. "Are you questioning my decision?"

"I’m not, Nathaniel, I’m merely worried..."

"Noelle," Estelle interrupted. Resting her chin on one hand, she asked meaningfully, "You claim that my serving as the R&D head won’t command respect. Then who do you think could in this position? You?"