As for Mrs. Silverstein’s status-

Jarrod had never acknowledged anything, so Elodie certainly wasn’t.

Esmeralda felt the day had been a total bust. She suggested they go out for drinks and karaoke-something Elodie used to do all the time as part of her old PR gig. But now, with her health issues, Elodie did her best to avoid alcohol.

Besides, whatever was going on with Jarrod didn’t really affect her as much anymore. Things hadn’t reached the point where she needed to drown her sorrows in whiskey.

So Esmeralda made plans with other friends, and Elodie drove herself home.

On the way, Alexander called. He asked, in his usual no-nonsense way, how things were going at the gallery. Elodie answered with a vague, noncommittal reply.

“Come over for dinner tomorrow,” Alexander said. “Dad’s got the day off, and you know how he is-strike while the iron’s hot and keep the old man in good spirits.”

Elodie considered it. There were still a few challenges with her new project, and she could use Professor Charlie’s advice. She agreed.

“I’ll pick you up tomorrow,” Alexander said.

Elodie replied, “Alright. See you then.”

The next day, Elodie made a special trip across town to queue up at an old, family-run bakery. She wanted to pick up some of Professor Charlie’s favorite pastries.

When Alexander arrived, he hopped out of his car and opened the passenger door for her. He handed her a warm paper bag, the scent of roasted chestnuts wafting up. “Your favorite. Have a few before dinner.”

Elodie’s eyes lit up. “Thanks, Alex.”

Alexander ruffled her hair, raising an eyebrow with a teasing grin. “No need to thank me. Just keep looking at me—maybe you’ll finally develop some taste in men.”

Elodie couldn’t help but laugh, the kind of laugh that lingered even after the car pulled away.

Across the street, a Bentley’s window rolled down. Joseph watched them drive off, his expression caught somewhere between surprise and something more complicated.

He’d just come to pick up some cakes for Freya, but hadn’t expected to catch a glimpse of Elodie with Alexander-on what was clearly a personal outing.

He’d known Elodie for years, but he’d never seen her smile at anyone like that. It was gentle, soft, and warm, almost affectionate-nothing like the polite smiles she gave everyone else.

Was Elodie really letting go of Jarrod?

Joseph doubted it. He and Maurice had watched firsthand how devoted she’d been to Jarrod over the years-how she’d bent over backwards for him.

Still, Joseph pulled out his phone, hesitated, then finally sent Jarrod a message: [What’s going on between you and Elodie lately?]

Unless Jarrod was planning on getting a divorce, Joseph couldn’t imagine why Elodie would be spending time with another man.

Jarrod must not have been busy, because he replied quickly: [What do you mean?]

It was only then that Joseph realized what he’d done. Why was he even asking about this?

And judging by Jarrod’s response, nothing had changed-same old indifference. Joseph rubbed his brow, then typed: [Never mind. Just ran into her by chance.]

He didn’t elaborate.

But Jarrod didn’t seem interested. He didn’t ask for details. He didn’t reply at all. Joseph shook his head.

Except for the first year of marriage-when things had at least been civil-Jarrod had only grown colder and more distant toward Elodie. That was why, eventually, both Maurice and Joseph had started to lose respect for her too. They’d simply taken their cue from Jarrod.

But now, Joseph found himself wondering. Jarrod hadn’t always seemed so fed up with Elodie. How had things gotten to this point? Was it some innate flaw in men, or something else?

He didn’t have an answer.

Elodie spent the afternoon at Professor Charlie’s house.

The professor, never one to pull punches, pointed out every flaw in her work. But he also chatted with her about new directions in tech innovation, leaving Elodie with a sense of sudden clarity.

Beyond that, he barely acknowledged her presence. Elodie had to grit her teeth and keep asking questions.

Finally, the professor snapped, “You’re just here for a free consultation? Are you even my student? Go on, get out! We’re done for today!”

Elodie grinned, unfazed. She’d rather deal with an irritable old professor than be ignored.

After dinner, Alexander gave her a ride home. Elodie was exhausted-she took her medicine the moment she walked in.

She’d just settled on the couch when she saw Jarrod calling.

Elodie hesitated, then picked up.

His voice was calm but edged with a chilly uncertainty. “Did you block my number?”