Elodie hadn’t even spoken yet when Sylvie’s voice came through the phone, cool and composed: “Who’s this?”

Elodie’s words caught in her throat, suddenly dry and impossible to swallow.

Jarrod hadn’t saved her number with a name in his phone? So she showed up as just another unknown caller?

She stared down at her feet and asked quietly, “Is Jarrod there?”

“He’s right here, but I’m afraid he’s too busy for you today,” Sylvie replied, her tone unhurried, almost amused.

The calm certainty in Sylvie’s voice made it clear: in her eyes, Elodie was just the kind of “other woman” meant to be kept in the shadows, easily dismissed at a moment’s notice.

Elodie’s brow furrowed.

Before she could reply, she heard Keith’s voice in the background: “Ms. Fielding, the bakery called. They’re asking if we should deliver the cake now.”

Without hesitation, Elodie ended the call.

She stood rooted to the spot, her face pale. After a long moment, she pressed a hand to her abdomen, rubbing gently as a wave of discomfort worsened.

There was nothing left to confirm. Keith was handling the cake, which meant Jarrod had given the instructions himself.

Jarrod hadn’t spared her feelings-not for a moment. He hadn’t even tried to show her a shred of respect.

A crushing helplessness dragged her down, making it hard to breathe.

It took Elodie several minutes to gather herself, to force her emotions back into check. When she finally returned to the front garden, she wore a calm, neutral expression, as if nothing had happened.

No sooner had she left than Ivan, standing beneath the cypress trees, stubbed out his cigarette and let out a short, derisive laugh as he watched her walk away.

Silverstein Group.

Sylvie was just setting her phone back on the desk when Jarrod returned from the conference room. He crossed the office in long strides, glancing at his watch. “You haven’t left yet?”

She smiled softly. “I was hoping we could go together. Unless you have other work to finish?”

Her mother’s birthday was today, and Jarrod had already picked out a thoughtful gift days ago. Sylvie could tell he genuinely cared. He’d even arranged for the celebration to be held at one of Maurice’s private resorts, booking the entire place for the night-just to make her mother happy.

They planned to have dinner together and cut the cake afterward.

Jarrod looked up. “You go ahead. I have some things I need to finish here.”

Sylvie hesitated, searching his face, then nodded with her usual gentle grace. “Alright, I’ll see you there.”

“Good.” Jarrod’s attention shifted to the stack of files on his desk.

From her bag, Sylvie took out an elegant box and set it carefully by Jarrod’s hand. “This is a tie my mother picked out especially for you. Today’s a special day-l thought you could wear it tonight?”

Jarrod glanced at the tie-a black silk with a subtle red pattern, the red standing out boldly against the dark background.

He nodded lightly. “Let the driver take you.”

Sylvie smiled, satisfied. “Alright.”

Once she’d left, Keith entered. “Mr. Silverstein, I’ve rescheduled your appointments for today. When would you like to leave?”

He watched Jarrod’s expression, searching for any signs of emotion, but there was nothing out of the ordinary.

Keith decided not to mention Elodie’s earlier call about the anniversary. Clearly, Mr. Silverstein was choosing to prioritize Ms. Fielding; Elodie’s absence wouldn’t matter. She’d always been the one to keep her composure, never causing a scene over things like this.

But then Jarrod spoke, almost absently: “Did Elodie call today?”

Keith froze, caught off guard. After a moment’s hesitation, he replied, “…No, not today.”

Jarrod’s eyes darkened. “Is that so.”

Keith felt a cold sweat break out, suddenly uneasy under the weight of the question. “Mr. Silverstein-?”

Jarrod frowned, then looked down at the file in his hands. “Anything else?”

After a tense pause, Keith ventured, “Mr. Nilsson called to ask what time the fireworks show is scheduled. He also wanted me to remind you to wear something bright-Ms. Fielding will be in a red dress tonight. This tie matches her outfit.”

Jarrod’s gaze lingered on the tie.

He stared at it for a long moment before speaking again. “I need you to handle something for me first.”

The Thorne house.

Elodie had barely stepped into the living room when she ran into Ivan coming through the door.

He took one look at her composed expression and let out a low chuckle. “Is this what married women are all like—just quietly swallowing their pride? Don’t bother waiting. Jarrod’s not coming.”