Unlike Maurice, who looked utterly stunned, Jarrod’s expression was unreadable. His gaze was dark and thoughtful as he studied Elodie.

Elodie had already set down her pen.

No wonder Jarrod had insisted on a new divorce agreement-he wanted to seize control of the negotiations and keep her in check from the very start.

But honestly, she couldn’t bring herself to care anymore.

As long as she could get this over with, she’d agree to anything.

She slid the paperwork back across the table.

“So, can we file now?”

Jarrod glanced down at the place where she’d signed. When he finally looked up, his eyes were flat and emotionless. “We can.”

Apparently, it was rare for people to hash out the terms right here at city hall.

After they’d followed the necessary steps, the clerk looked up at them. “Do you have any children together?”

Elodie’s throat tightened. She finally managed, “No.”

Jarrod didn’t even flinch.

Maurice, however, gave a little shrug and pursed his lips.

Not that Elodie hadn’t wanted children—but that would’ve required Jarrod actually wanting the same.

“Alright,” the clerk continued, “your documents will be reviewed. After they’re approved, there’s a thirty-day waiting period before the divorce is finalized. During that time, if either of you changes your mind, you can withdraw the application. Please think it over.”

Elodie already knew how this worked.

She understood it would be at least another thirty days before she could walk away with the divorce certificate.

That was fine.

She could wait thirty days.

“Thank you. There’s nothing to reconsider,” Elodie replied coolly.

Jarrod glanced sideways at her.

With the process complete, Baxter checked his watch. “Ms. Thorne, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out.”

Elodie nodded in thanks. “Thank you for your help.”

Baxter chatted with Albin for another moment before leaving.

Outside city hall, Elodie pulled her coat tighter and started down the steps.

A late spring chill had left a thin layer of black ice; she slipped.

A hand reached out from behind, steadying hers.

Her fingers landed in Jarrod’s-long, warm, steady. The comforting heat of his palm surprised her, and for a surreal moment, it almost felt as if they were leaving city hall as newlyweds rather than soon-to-be exes.

Anyone watching might have thought they’d just gotten married.

Elodie turned to look back.

Jarrod had caught up to her. Once she was steady, he glanced at their hands, then slowly let go. “I’ll have someone drive you. No need to call a cab.”

Elodie pulled her hand away, her tone polite but cold. “That’s not necessary. I can manage.”

Jarrod shot her a look. “Elodie, there’s no need to pretend you’re made of stone. It’s freezing out. Just get home safe.”

She pressed her lips together, choosing not to argue.

Jarrod signaled for his driver.

Without protest, Elodie opened the car door and got in.

She recognized Keith behind the wheel and quietly said, “VistaLink Technologies, please.”

She was brisk and to the point, offering nothing more.

Outside, the three men watched her leave.

Elodie hadn’t even glanced back.

That was not at all what Maurice had expected.

He’d tagged along today, half hoping for some drama-maybe Elodie would beg Jarrod for another chance, plead with him not to go through with it.

But Elodie hadn’t done any of that.

What on earth had changed?

As the Bentley pulled away, Maurice turned to Jarrod. “That was… weird. Don’t you think she’s acting totally out of character?”

Jarrod’s voice was cool as he lit a cigarette, watching the car disappear down the street. “You’re overthinking it.”

Albin clapped Maurice on the shoulder. “Guess you misjudged her. Weren’t you convinced Ms. Thorne would drag this out and refuse to sign? She handled it like a pro.”

Maurice couldn’t make sense of it either.

He’d been so sure Elodie would fight for the marriage—he’d even brought Albin along to block her escape routes. Who knew it would go so smoothly?

Elodie hadn’t wasted a single word.

After a moment, Maurice asked, still puzzled, “So, during the waiting period-are you technically divorced, or not?”