Everyone present turned their heads to look.

Even Elodie paused for a moment, her gaze drawn to the entrance as a large group swept in. At the head was an elegant, imposing woman-her beauty sharpened by experience, her demeanor commanding.

No one had expected Lucinda to show up at Goldspire for an inspection.

Maurice and the others immediately straightened their postures.

Lucinda, having just flown in on short notice, hadn’t anticipated running into Jarrod here either. Hearing the manager’s words, she gave a simple, “Lead the way.”

The manager gestured politely. “Mr. Silverstein and his party are in the dining room, along with Mr. Silverstein’s girlfriend…”

Lucinda’s steps barely faltered.

Her heels clicked against the floor as she approached-and then she saw Sylvie seated at Jarrod’s side.

But almost at once, Lucinda noticed Elodie sitting not far away.

Her eyes narrowed, surprise flickering across her face at this unexpected tableau.

She glanced at Jarrod, only to see that he remained perfectly calm, as if there was nothing complicated about the scene at all.

“Mrs. Silverstein,” Joseph spoke up, greeting her.

Maurice and the others quickly followed suit.

Sylvie inclined her head politely to Lucinda but didn’t address her directly. Lucinda gave a clipped nod. “I’m here for an inspection. Please, carry on.” She didn’t force conversation with Sylvie, simply letting her gaze sweep past. “Jarrod, come with me.” Lucinda called, her eyes drifting briefly to Elodie as she turned to leave.

She didn’t exchange a word with anyone else present.

Jarrod finally rose and followed Lucinda out of the room.

Naylor, who had never met Lucinda before, watched the exchange with interest. As an outsider, he picked up on the undertones and turned to Sylvie. “Mrs. Silverstein and Ms. Fielding haven’t met before?”

Mrs. Silverstein had acted as if she barely knew Sylvie there hadn’t been any particular greeting.

But Sylvie was so outstanding; surely Mrs. Silverstein wouldn’t be unhappy with her?

Maurice rubbed his nose and shot a glance at Sylvie.

Joseph, meanwhile, frowned and discreetly observed Elodie.

Fortunately, Elodie seemed entirely unaffected. She gave no hint of any relationship with Lucinda, acting as if everyone else in the room were strangers.

As for Naylor’s question, Sylvie took a composed sip of coffee and replied, “It’s not really the right occasion for formal introductions.”

Naylor nodded, understanding. With so many people around, it made sense that Mrs. Silverstein wouldn’t go out of her way to single Sylvie out for a chat.

Still…

Naylor glanced back toward Elodie.

Was it his imagination, or had Mrs. Silverstein looked at Elodie just before leaving? Why?

Jarrod followed Lucinda into her office.

As soon as the door closed, Lucinda turned to him. “Elodie didn’t make a scene?”

She frowned. “You brought Ms. Fielding to meet her face-to-face. If Elodie gets upset and blurts out the truth about your marriage, it could cause a scandal.”

Jarrod’s expression was cool and composed. “She won’t.”

Lucinda didn’t quite understand his confidence, but she went on, “There are a lot of eyes and ears around. If something gets out of hand, the gossip will be hard to control. Try to keep her calm.”

She wasn’t satisfied with Elodie as a daughter-in-law, but the family’s reputation still mattered.

If her son decided to make things official with Sylvie in the future, it was all the more important not to leave any clues today.