She was sure she’d never done a thing to provoke Esmeralda. But judging by Esmeralda’s attitude, Elodie was probably behind this latest bit of drama.

Sylvie shot a glance at Elodie, who stood nearby, her expression betraying a flicker of impatience. Typical Elodie this was just another of her petty tricks, the kind that never quite managed to make an impact. If she couldn’t compete in any other way, she’d resort to cheap schemes like these.

Grady, meanwhile, was genuinely curious about the question Esmeralda had raised. Given how fiercely Jarrod always stood up for Sylvie, one might assume they were together-except Grady couldn’t recall Jarrod ever introducing Sylvie as his girlfriend.

So, was Jarrod simply pursuing her? Did that mean Grady still had a shot?

Naylor turned to Sylvie as well, clearly waiting for her answer.

Sylvie pressed her lips together, just about to speak, when a tall, broad- shouldered figure stepped up beside her. Jarrod’s gaze swept over Esmeralda, cool and unreadable, pausing for a split second on Elodie before he spoke, his tone detached. “If you’re so curious about this, you can ask me directly. However I define her, that’s what she is.”

Relief flickered across Elodie’s face, her momentary tension vanishing as quickly as it had appeared, leaving only a faint ripple of emotion she’d expected all along.

Jarrod’s words were both protection and a warning. He wouldn’t force Sylvie to define their relationship, nor would he let her take the fall for it. Girlfriend, fiancée -whatever title he publicly claimed for her, that was the only one that mattered. He was shutting down any chance Elodie had of stirring up trouble by declaring herself the real Mrs. Silverstein.

And Elodie knew it. If she dared to make a scene, Jarrod would show her no mercy. He’d never been afraid of a public spat, especially now, with divorce proceedings underway. If anything, he’d use it as an excuse to legitimize Sylvie. In the end, Elodie would be the only one left looking foolish.

She even worried that Jarrod’s anger over any attempt to slander Sylvie might spill over to those closest to her.

Gradually, Elodie steadied herself. She’d never known what it was like to be favored by Jarrod, so there was no disappointment to be had.

Esmeralda, meanwhile, picked up on Jarrod’s blunt stance. She glanced at Elodie, concern in her eyes as she approached. “Elodie…”

Elodie returned her friend’s reassuring look, unmoved by the spectacle. She’d stopped caring about this kind of scene a long time ago. Jarrod hadn’t given a direct answer, but his protectiveness was obvious to everyone. It was clear that Sylvie meant far more to him than most.

Naylor’s gaze drifted between Sylvie and Elodie, the corner of his mouth twisting with irony. After all, he’d recently witnessed quite the performance from this group. He couldn’t help but wonder if Jarrod had rejected Elodie’s advances. As for Alexander… perhaps he still hadn’t realized just how fickle Ms. Thorne could be. Elodie didn’t bother arguing, nor did she care what became of Jarrod and Sylvie. With no sign of her mother’s painting here, she saw no reason to stay.

She tugged Esmeralda’s arm and headed for the exit.

Jarrod noticed and glanced back at her. Elodie’s slender back remained straight as she walked away, giving no sign of anger, sadness, or joy. It was as if she and Jarrod were strangers.

Once, she might have thrown a tantrum, but lately she’d grown distant and calm. Maybe it started when Ivan was released from prison.

“Jarrod?” Sylvie noticed him watching Elodie’s retreating figure. Her expression immediately darkened, a twinge of annoyance surfacing. So that’s why Elodie was acting up lately-trying to get Jarrod’s attention.

“What is it?” Jarrod turned back, his demeanor as cool and aloof as ever, not a trace of emotion in his eyes.

Sylvie relaxed slightly. “Nothing. How about we play golf tonight? Let’s invite Joseph and the others.”

Jarrod nodded in agreement, and Sylvie’s lips curved in satisfaction.

She didn’t want Jarrod’s attention divided, not even for a moment. As far as she was concerned, Elodie was best left invisible.