Elodie stood a short distance away, the floor-to-ceiling windows offering a perfect view of the gleaming office tower across the street.

“Is something wrong?” Her mind raced.

Potential conflicts between Neural Intelligence and VistaLink Technologies flashed through her thoughts.

Jarrod was probably still in his office; the quiet clatter of keys drifted from his end. His voice was calm, unhurried. “The caretaker called from the old house. Grandma caught a bad cold-some mild pneumonia. She just got back from the hospital. If you have time, could you go check on her?”

Elodie frowned instinctively, worry flickering across her face.

She really was concerned for the old woman’s health. Early spring chills always made people more susceptible to illness.

Before she could reply, Jarrod continued, his tone distant but even: “She told me yesterday she’s got a birthday present for you she hasn’t given you yet. You could pick it up while you’re there.”

That jogged Elodie’s memory; Grandma had mentioned the gift during a phone call back when she was at Goldspire.

“She never fusses over anyone else the way she does you. But if you’re busy, forget about it.” Jarrod didn’t push, his voice cool and detached.

“I’ll go see her,” Elodie agreed quietly.

She remembered all too well how the old woman had treated her over the years. Whether out of obligation or genuine affection, it was only right to visit.

She gazed at the office tower opposite, then asked calmly, “The waiting period’s almost over. Should I have Keith send the notice, or do you want to set a time?”

“Jarrod?” A woman’s voice-Sylvie-came faintly through the phone. “Who are you talking to? Take a break, will you? I got dinner for us.”

The line went dead. Three short beeps.

No answer.

Elodie was used to this kind of abruptness. She slipped her phone away and turned, composed.

Jarrod hadn’t given her a clear response. She’d have to find a chance to get a straight answer.

Divorce wasn’t something you took lightly.

She didn’t want any surprises.

After dinner, she headed downstairs with Mr. Ableson.

He must have picked up on something in the conversation; after a moment, he ventured, “Did you mention shared assets just now? Are you… getting divorced, Ms. Thorne?”

Married so young?

Alexander shot Elodie a sideways look before cutting in, “Don’t even bring it up. She married the wrong guy-cheater, liar, can’t keep his promises. Our Ms. Thorne is finally free.”

Elodie: “…”

Mr. Ableson stared, stunned.

So Ms. Thorne’s husband was someone from their circle? And she wasn’t officially divorced yet?

After a word with Alexander, Elodie set out for the old house.

It was still early.

When she arrived, the housekeeper’s face lit up with delight and she hurried over

to take Elodie’s bag. “Ma’am, the lady’s upstairs resting. She’s been coughing all

day and just finished her nebulizer treatment.”

Elodie nodded. “You can give me the bag-I won’t be long.”

The housekeeper hesitated, surprised.

Upstairs, Elodie entered the old woman’s room. Grandma’s face broke into a loving smile the moment she saw her. “Sweetheart, what brings you here all of a sudden?”

Elodie walked over, scanning Grandma’s face for signs of illness. “I heard you weren’t feeling well. Are you any better now?”

Grandma squeezed her hand with a gentle smile. “Don’t worry, dear. Age catches up with you you get every cough and ache. The doctor’s already checked me out.”

“Have you eaten anything?” Elodie asked, noticing how pale she looked. “If not, let me make you some soup.”

Her grandmother looked at her with fond exasperation. “No need to fuss, darling. I’ll be fine after a little rest.”

Elodie reassured her gently, but knowing Grandma hadn’t eaten, she went downstairs and made a simple, comforting soup anyway.