Elodie glanced at Alexander’s phone screen.

Maurice had posted a story-nine pictures from a club party, all champagne and laughter, everyone looking like they didn’t have a care in the world.

The last photo caught her eye. In the corner, Jarrod lounged in a chair, Sylvie right beside him. She was turned toward him, saying something with a soft smile playing at her lips. Jarrod looked back at her, their eyes meeting in a quiet, private moment.

The scene was almost picture-perfect.

Anyone would think there was something going on between them.

Maurice’s caption stood out in bold letters: “Champagne for good times! Tonight,

Mr. Silverstein picks up the tab!”

Elodie’s expression didn’t flicker.

Esmeralda, on the other hand, slapped the table hard. “What the hell? They’re out celebrating?”

It was like they were wearing their post-divorce celebration on their sleeves. Jarrod throwing a party the very night their divorce was finalized? Unbelievable.

“Jarrod and Sylvie are getting pretty cozy,” Alexander muttered, his brows knitting together before letting out a cold, short laugh. “What, do they need a coronation now that she’s official?”

“After all those years together, you’d think he’d at least keep it low-key. I’m not saying he should be heartbroken, but does he really have to rub it in Elodie’s face like this? No shame at all!” Esmeralda’s cheeks flushed red with anger.

Who could swallow something like this?

They were only acting this way because Elodie was so even-tempered.

As she thought this, Esmeralda turned to look at Elodie.

That’s when she realized Elodie was completely composed. She barely glanced at the phone before moving her eyes away, calm and detached, as if none of it concerned her.

“That’s their business.” Elodie set her fork down. “It’s got nothing to do with me anymore.”

Esmeralda exhaled, relieved but still indignant. “It’s still way out of line…”

Alexander tapped his fingers on the table, raising an eyebrow. “You’re divorced now. There’s no reason to keep up appearances for them. Why let Sylvie keep her good-girl image? If you called her out for being the other woman, what could Jarrod even do to you?”

Elodie paused, then shook her head.

“Whatever you’ve thought of, Jarrod’s already anticipated,” she said quietly. “He made me sign a confidentiality agreement—I can’t tell anyone about our marriage or the divorce. He’s always thinking ten steps ahead, making sure nothing can touch Sylvie.”

That agreement.

It was Jarrod’s insurance policy.

So no matter what they did, all she could do was look away.

But honestly, it didn’t matter to her anymore.

Even if Jarrod hadn’t made her sign anything, she wouldn’t waste her time on childish games.

Her time and energy were precious-she only spent them on what truly mattered in her life.

Everyone else…

They were just passing through.

Esmeralda and Alexander stared at her in shock.

Neither of them had expected that.

Esmeralda was speechless for a moment, then finally spat out, “That bastard’s got some nerve!”

It was like Sylvie was a priceless jewel he had to protect.

Alexander gave Elodie’s shoulder a reassuring pat. “Good riddance. Leave the jerk behind, focus on your career-that’s where real happiness starts. And hey, with your charm, there are plenty of good guys out there waiting for you.”

Elodie gave a faint smile. “You’re not wrong.”

Alexander glanced at his watch. “Our project goes live this Saturday. My dad wants to have dinner with you. You free after work on Wednesday?”

Elodie knew the professor had always taken a keen interest in their project, so she nodded. “Sure.”

After dinner, Elodie stopped by Rosemary’s place.

She brought the old emerald ring back with her.

Rosemary couldn’t believe she was seeing that ring again after all these years

and asked Elodie how she’d found it.

Elodie just smiled and brushed it off. “Lucky coincidence.”

She didn’t mention all the trouble that had come with the ring.