Lucinda was caught off guard.

She fell silent, turning Elodie’s words over in her mind, searching for their deeper meaning.

She knew Elodie’s temperament well-always patient, always considerate. Whenever Lucinda asked for something within Elodie’s abilities, Elodie rarely refused. That’s why, seeing Elodie suddenly stand her ground like this, Lucinda couldn’t help but wonder if Elodie had made other plans.

After a moment’s hesitation, Lucinda asked, “What’s going on? Why didn’t you do it? You know perfectly well how much the ladies adore your baking. I specifically asked you to remember and make a few extra batches for gifts each year, didn’t 1?”

Every holiday, her circle of friends exchanged little presents an unspoken tradition that kept their social and business ties alive. Elodie’s desserts had always been a big hit with them.

For the past few years, Lucinda would have Elodie spend hours baking, packaging up treats to send to each household. They were just some small pastries—time-consuming, yes, but as the Silverstein family’s daughter-in-law, wasn’t that her duty?

Elodie’s gaze remained calm as she looked at the computer screen. “Didn’t Jarrod mention I was spending New Year’s with my grandmother’s family?”

Lucinda’s tone was as matter-of-fact as ever.

The truth was, Elodie had never liked it.

All those years, just to maintain these connections, she’d shouldered whatever was asked of her, no matter how exhausting. Even if it was only desserts, it still took hours of her time and effort. Every year, she’d spend an entire day in the kitchen, and by the time she finally went to bed in the early morning, her back and legs were so sore and stiff they barely felt like her own.

But nobody cared.

Lucinda was surprised-she couldn’t figure out how Elodie had changed so much this year. In the past, Elodie had always played the part, eager to please, staying dutifully by the Silverstein family’s side.

Not that Lucinda really cared what Elodie thought or felt.

All that mattered was-

“Now that you’re married, you should be celebrating the holidays with your husband’s family. You left without even saying anything-what does that look like? Just now, one of my friends was asking for your pastries again. There’s still plenty of time tonight; either come back after dinner with your grandmother, or just make them at the Thorne family’s place and have them sent over.”

Whether Elodie joined the Silversteins for New Year’s or not, Lucinda couldn’t care less. The only thing that mattered was what Elodie could offer.

“I’m sorry, I’m busy,” Elodie replied, her voice slow but unwavering.

Lucinda always expected her to drop everything, even on New Year’s, to cater to their whims. But Elodie was done neglecting herself for others.

From this moment on, none of this would have anything to do with her.

Lucinda was momentarily speechless. It took her a while to find her voice again. “Elodie, what’s gotten into you?”

She didn’t actually believe Elodie was defying her or talking back-Elodie wouldn’t dare. Elodie loved her son and treasured her place as Mrs. Silverstein; she’d always been cautious and eager to please. How could she possibly be trying to embarrass her?

“You can ask someone else. My grandmother’s calling me for dinner. Happy New Year,” Elodie said simply, ending the call.

It was New Year’s Eve, after all—she didn’t want to waste it on a pointless argument.

After that little episode, Elodie shut her laptop and headed downstairs.

The hotel restaurant was beautifully designed, with a panoramic glass ceiling that offered a stunning view of the city lights and fireworks. The festive spirit was everywhere.

Rosemary and Emile were already seated when Elodie arrived. She let the waiter know they were ready for the food to be served.

The dining room was bustling with people coming and going.

As Elodie glanced to the side, she caught sight of Joseph rounding a corner. He noticed her too, pausing just a moment before simply nodding in greeting.

Elodie nodded back, her expression unchanged. They didn’t exchange a single word.

But Rosemary saw the whole thing.

She watched Joseph’s retreating figure with interest. “That young man-you two know each other?”

Elodie gave a small nod. “Sort of.”

“Just friends? Or… is he interested in you?” Rosemary asked, her tone light and warm. Now that the divorce was final, her Elodie had every right to find happiness again.

“He seems like a fine young man-good-looking, well put together. Not bad at all!”