This hotel was busier than usual as the holidays approached. Most of the guests who checked in belonged to the upper crust-wealthy, influential, the kind of clientele who expected nothing less than five-star service.

As soon as Elodie and Rosemary arrived with the family, hotel staff hurried over to help them with their bags.

For years now, Rosemary had spent most holidays at the hospital with Emile. This year, with everyone together at last, her face glowed with quiet joy. “The air here is wonderful, isn’t it? Spending New Year’s with so many people-it’s a nice change of pace.”

Elodie smiled softly as she pushed Emile’s wheelchair. “As long as you’re happy. Grandma, you and Uncle Emile’s suite is right next to mine.”

Emile glanced over. “Aren’t the suites big enough for all of us? Why not just stay together?”

Elodie’s lips curved. “I might have to join some late conference calls with Alex and the team. I didn’t want to disturb you, so I booked separate rooms.”

She brushed over the topic with practiced ease.

Her bag, after all, was packed with vials and bottles of targeted medication. Emile’s illness had made him hypersensitive to such things in recent years. Better not to risk anyone noticing.

Dinner for New Year’s Eve needed to be arranged in advance with the hotel.

Once Rosemary and Emile were settled, Elodie made her way downstairs.

After discussing the dinner plans with the manager, she headed for the elevators. Just as she reached the lobby, she spotted Joseph nearby, speaking on the phone. The moment he caught sight of her, he froze, then gave her a polite nod in greeting.

A little surprised, Elodie walked over.

She glanced at the elevator; Joseph had already pressed the button and was waiting in silence, watching the floor numbers tick by in boredom.

Into his phone, Joseph said, “The place is newly renovated-great atmosphere. But I doubt there are any rooms left tonight.”

On the other end, Maurice groaned, “If I’d known, I would’ve joined you. You have no idea, my granddad’s been chewing me out since I got home.”

“Yeah.”

Maurice perked up, “Maybe I’ll just come over and crash with you. We can share a room.”

Ding-

The elevator arrived.

Elodie stepped inside first. Seeing Joseph still on the phone, she asked politely, “Are you coming?”

Joseph looked at her, “Yeah.”

He stepped in.

Back on the line, Maurice suddenly stiffened, clutching his phone. “Hold up, is that a woman? Are you with a woman? Who is she? Her voice sounds kind of nice!”

He sensed something was up.

Joseph glanced at Elodie, who stood quietly in front of him, her expression cool and composed. He pressed his lips together. “You’re hearing things. Anyway, there’s no signal in the elevator. Gotta go.”

“There is too!”

Ignoring Maurice’s protests, Joseph slipped his phone away and looked at Elodie. “You’re here for the holidays?”

Elodie hadn’t planned on making small talk, but since he’d asked, she replied politely, “I am.”

Without thinking, Joseph asked, “Not spending it with Jarrod?”

It was a reasonable question.

In previous years, after family obligations were out of the way, their group would meet up-drinks, card games, the usual. Back then, Elodie always seemed worried Jarrod would overdo it, so she’d show up early to pick him up, bringing a homemade hangover remedy.

She didn’t just bring one for Jarrod, either. She’d make sure the rest of the group had some, too.

She’d always been gentle and considerate, easy to get along with.

How had they responded?

Maurice would slurp down the soup, then turn to joke, “Ms. Thorne, you know, Jarrod leaves you at home on purpose. He doesn’t want you tagging along. No need to chase after him with your miracle broth.”

He hadn’t said anything back then.

He’d known the words were harsh for a young woman to hear.

But he hadn’t stepped in.

He’d let Maurice speak for them all.

They’d all disliked Elodie.

No one wanted her around-no one liked that she’d forced Jarrod’s hand, ruined

his marriage for her own gain.