Chapter 177
Elodie met Jarrod’s gaze.
His dark eyes were indifferent, waiting for her final answer.
She wasn’t surprised by his attitude. After all, her actions today had thoroughly crossed a line he’d drawn in the sand.
Two months ago, they’d signed the divorce papers. Only now, finally, did he give her an actual time to go through with it. Of course, he was doing this for Sylvie— wanting a clean break, quick and decisive. No more dragging things out and wasting each other’s time.
“Alright,” Elodie nodded. “That works.”
They should have done this long ago. Once they set foot in city hall, everything would be settled for good.
But today was Saturday. City hall was closed. If it weren’t, Jarrod would probably have insisted on dealing with it right away.
Noticing how calm she seemed, Jarrod let out a brief, almost mocking laugh. “Fine. Just don’t be late.”
He paused, then added, “About the donor spot—”
“I’m not giving that up,” Elodie interrupted, her voice steady. “You have plenty of connections, Mr. Silverstein. I’m sure you can figure out another way.” This was what she truly cared about. Now that he’d agreed to the divorce, there was no reason for him to keep showing her any kindness.
The thought stung. Elodie felt her eyes start to burn, but she refused to look away from him.
Stubborn as ever.
Jarrod stared back at her for a long moment before he finally spoke. “Fine. The donor spot is yours. You don’t have to worry about it anymore.”
This time, Elodie was genuinely surprised.
She’d slapped Sylvie in front of him-yet Jarrod was still giving the spot back to her? Sylvie’s attitude made it clear she’d never have agreed to this.
But Jarrod didn’t bother to explain. He simply turned, unconcerned, and strode away.
Watching his retreating figure, Elodie let out a shaky breath. She couldn’t read him. But with the time set for city hall, nothing else really mattered to her anymore.
None of it was important now.
She exhaled forcefully, then let out a bitter little laugh.
Ironically, maybe she should be grateful to Sylvie—for making things so clear-cut. Jarrod doted on Sylvie far too much. One slap, and he’d decided he couldn’t let Elodie use the title of ‘Mrs. Silverstein’ to hold it over Sylvie anymore.
Later, when Elodie checked in with the hospital, they told her the donor queue spot for her uncle had been restored-he could proceed with surgery paperwork by the end of the month.
She was genuinely stunned.
Jarrod had actually pulled it off. How had he convinced Sylvie? Just earlier, Sylvie
had been adamant-there was no way she’d have agreed.
Or maybe Jarrod had promised her something else in return?
Elodie shook her head and decided not to dwell on it.
She didn’t tell her grandmother or the others about the donor spot fiasco-no point in making them worry, since it was resolved.
As for slapping Sylvie, there were no repercussions. Sylvie hadn’t called the police, and Elodie hadn’t lost sleep over it. If things had escalated, Sylvie wouldn’t have come out looking good either. With her social standing, any trip to the police station would have drawn unwanted scrutiny. There are no real secrets in this world—if rumors about their love triangle leaked, Sylvie would have the most to lose.
Jarrod’s rush to finalize the divorce was probably about more than just anger at her for lashing out. He wanted to keep things from blowing up and affecting Sylvie.
Elodie couldn’t care less what Jarrod was thinking. She still had one problem left to solve.
She glanced at her phone. The text she’d sent Jarrod last night about the divorce -he still hadn’t replied, nor had he said whether he was willing to sell that emerald ring.