Chapter 23

The next day.

Octavia stopped by the townhouse at lunchtime, as she usually did after school. Her stomach was already growling, and as soon as she walked in, she called out, “Elodie?”

Instead of Elodie, one of the housekeepers appeared, hurrying to take Octavia’s bag. “Miss, Mrs. Silverstein isn’t home.”

That caught Octavia off guard. She frowned. “Isn’t she usually done making lunch by now?”

She knew all about Elodie packing lunch for her brother.

The house was just a stone’s throw from the Silverstein Group offices. Every morning, Elodie would prep ingredients before work, then rush home during her lunch break to cook and have Keith bring a meal up to Jarrod.

Even though her brother had zero interest in seeing Elodie, Elodie never stopped trying.

Today, Octavia had come over for the express purpose of eating Elodie’s cooking.

Elodie might not be good at much else, but she was a quick learner in the kitchen, and her food always hit the spot for Octavia.

But today, the kitchen was cold and silent.

Octavia’s mood soured.

Was Elodie getting lazier by the day?

The housekeeper looked just as confused. The always gentle and attentive Mrs. Silverstein suddenly wasn’t coming home; she used to avoid business trips just so she could be here for her husband.

The truth was, Octavia had been in a foul mood all day. Yesterday, she’d heard her sister-in-law Sylvie had come down with a fever from a cold. Octavia wanted to take the afternoon off to visit her, but it felt wrong to show up empty-handed.

She’d heard sick people should eat something nourishing and gentle on the stomach, but she couldn’t cook. Buying something pre-made felt insincere. That’s when she’d thought of Elodie.

Elodie’s food was always comforting.

Maybe she’d ask Elodie to cook something.

Octavia flopped down on the couch and called Elodie.

At that moment, Elodie had just finished a meeting with Alexander. The drone project was taking off, and she was brimming with new ideas—she planned to optimize the system herself. She didn’t want to waste time at the cafeteria, so she asked Alexander to bring her some lunch while she got back to work. That’s when she saw Octavia’s name flashing on her phone.

She glanced at it and declined the call.

Octavia called again, relentlessly.

It was disrupting her workflow, so Elodie blocked her number and finally enjoyed a moment of quiet.

She got back to work.

Back at the townhouse, Octavia listened to the busy signal on the other end,

biting her lip in frustration.

Why was Elodie ignoring her?

Elodie had never refused her calls before. She was always warm and

accommodating, eager to please.

Left with no choice, Octavia called her brother.

Jarrod’s voice was cool and curt: “What is it?”

“Jarrod, do you know where Elodie is? She won’t answer my calls. I’m at your

place and she hasn’t come back to make lunch.”

Jarrod paused, considering. “I haven’t talked to her. No idea.”

“Well, can you tell her to come back and cook?”

“Octavia, do you think the restaurant is just for show?” His tone was icy and commanding.

Octavia shrank back, mumbling, “It’s just… Sylvie’s sick, and I wanted to visit her.

I can’t just show up empty-handed… Jarrod, what should I do to get Elodie to come back?”

He was busy with something, silent for a long moment.

Finally, he said, “Doesn’t Grandma like Elodie’s cooking, too?”

Then he hung up.

Octavia was puzzled for a second, then it clicked-of course!

If she used Grandma as an excuse, Elodie would never say no.

Meanwhile, Elodie had finished up some system updates and scheduled a doctor’s appointment for three in the afternoon.

She told Alexander she was stepping out. He offered her a ride, but she politely declined-she wasn’t ready to let anyone know about her health just yet.

A notification pinged on her phone. Octavia had tracked her down on messenger.

Grandma’s stomach hasn’t been well lately, the message said. She’s craving your cooking. Also, why can’t I reach you?-with a few passive-aggressive complaints thrown in.

Elodie frowned.

Was Grandma really feeling unwell?

Her first instinct was to go visit, but then she remembered-she and Jarrod were getting divorced. Was it even appropriate to visit the Silverstein family now?

She checked the time and decided to stop by the townhouse.

The housekeeper’s face brightened when she saw Elodie. “Ma’am, you’re finally back! The room’s all tidied up-do you want to rest a bit?”

“No need. I’ll be leaving soon.” Elodie slipped off her shoes and put on slippers. “I’m going to make some soup and a couple of light dishes. Could you please deliver them to the Silverstein house for Grandma later?”

Grandma had always been good to her. Their grandfathers were old friends from the war. If the old lady wasn’t feeling well and wanted her food, Elodie couldn’t hold a grudge.

The housekeeper nodded, still a little dazed.

Elodie moved quickly, preparing a fresh vegetable soup and two simple, appetizing side dishes, packing them carefully into the lunchbox she’d once picked out with such care.

“Thank you, Cara.”

“Ma’am, are you leaving again?” Cara asked, confusion in her voice.

Elodie paused mid-step, glancing down at the pale yellow slippers on her feet. She didn’t explain.

She smiled faintly. “Cara, throw these slippers out for me, will you?”