Chapter 182
This time, Albin actually answered his question. “You’ll have to wait thirty days. It’s a required period.”
Maurice clicked his tongue in annoyance. “So, she gets to ride out another month on your dime. That’s the policy, Jarrod. Must be a real pain for you too, huh?”
Jarrod didn’t seem bothered in the slightest. Turning to Albin, he said, “Thanks for handling this, Albin. How about we grab a bite together later?”
Albin nodded his agreement.
Maurice was relegated to driver. Once they got in the car, something occurred to him. “Hey, why’d you suddenly change your number?”
Jarrod didn’t look up from his phone. “Work stuff.”
Maurice shrugged, dropping it.
Elodie had feelings about that house-their marital home. She’d poured heart and soul into every detail, but so many unhappy memories were tangled up in those walls.
Even if Jarrod handed her the place, she had no intention of moving back.
Still… there was a lot of Jarrod’s stuff left behind.
And that study-the one room she’d never been allowed to enter. That’s where Jarrod kept most of his important things.
She’d forgotten to ask him when he’d be moving his things out.
After thinking it over, Elodie decided she’d rather he cleared out sooner than later. The paperwork alone-transferring the deed and whatnot-was already a headache.
She dialed his number. “Sorry, the number you’ve dialed is unavailable…”
That message again.
Elodie’s eyes dimmed. She looked up at Keith, who was driving. “Why can’t I reach Mr. Silverstein’s number?”
Keith glanced at her in the rearview mirror. “Mr. Silverstein changed his number on Valentine’s Day. He doesn’t use the old one anymore. Didn’t he tell you?”
Elodie was caught off guard and fell silent.
She was genuinely surprised. He’d gone so far as to change his number entirely
It seemed Jarrod was even more eager than she was to cut ties with the past. She remembered hearing about couples who’d delete old contacts from their phones to make their new partners happy. Did this count as the same thing?
She asked quietly, “When it’s time for the paperwork at city hall, how am I supposed to reach him?”
Keith’s tone was all business. “Mr. Silverstein will make arrangements. Or, if you prefer, you can book a meeting with him directly-maybe, if he’s in a good mood, he’ll give you the new number himself.”
Elodie frowned slightly.
So in the end, she still had to wait for Jarrod to contact her?
She rubbed her forehead and turned to look calmly out the window.
This wasn’t her problem to solve. When it was time to file the divorce papers,
Jarrod would probably be more impatient than she was.
Keith watched her through the mirror for a moment.
Calm. Unmoved. Not even a flicker of annoyance at being left out of the loop about the number change.
He shook his head wordlessly.
But really, what would it matter if Elodie was angry? She’d still have to wait for Mr. Silverstein’s word, wouldn’t she? Even if it was urgent, she’d just have to find a way to reach him herself.
After submitting her divorce application, Elodie headed back to VistaLink Technologies.
Originally, Esmeralda had insisted on going with her to the courthouse, but Elodie turned her down. By the time she returned, Esmeralda was nearly craning her neck with anticipation.
As soon as Elodie walked in, Esmeralda hurried over and dragged her into the office.
“Well? Did everything go smoothly?”
Elodie hesitated a few seconds, thinking of Jarrod’s two conditions, but finally nodded. “The registration’s submitted. It’ll take a month before it’s finalized.” Esmeralda frowned. “They make everything so complicated these days!” Elodie didn’t bother responding.
Esmeralda brightened. “Let’s get everyone together for dinner tonight.” Elodie agreed.
She took the core team from VistaLink Technologies to Nebula Bistro.
After a quick trip to the restroom, Alexander returned looking a little pale.
Esmeralda sidled up to him. “What’s with the face, Alex? Someone bite your head off?”
Alexander shot her a look and pulled out his phone, holding it out to Esmeralda and Elodie. “Take a look at this. Your ex-husband really is something else.”