Elodie couldn’t have cared less.

That was his problem.

After all, this birthday gala was a grand affair—an important social event that reflected the company’s image and was vital for networking.

Esmeralda accompanied Elodie to pick out an evening gown suitable for the occasion, stylish enough to make an impression. Together, they also chose a well- considered birthday gift for Raleigh.

On the afternoon of the eighteenth, Alexander picked Elodie up, and they drove together to the Warwick family estate.

In the hours leading up to the event, Elodie hadn’t received a single message or reminder from Jarrod.

Neither she nor Alexander brought up how they planned to handle the party-they simply fell into a tacit silence, each keeping their own counsel.

The Warwick family lived in a sprawling manor surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens. Even at the gate, it was clear this was a gathering for the city’s elite: luxury cars lined the driveway, and the front steps buzzed with well- dressed guests.

Tonight, Elodie wore a deep green silk gown that hugged her slender figure, her wrist adorned with a vintage gemstone watch that matched her dress. Her hair was swept into a graceful low chignon, lending an air of poised elegance.

As soon as she and Alexander stepped through the grand entrance, heads turned. Whispers spread as people took notice of Alexander’s companion.

Naylor had arrived early-after all, the Warwicks were family, and he’d come to help with the preparations. He spotted Alexander and, beside him, Elodie.

His gaze lingered on her, eyes unconsciously sweeping her from head to toe. For a moment, he was caught off guard by her beauty-tall and willowy, she wore the gown with an effortless grace, her calm composure making her stand out even more. She looked every bit the part, polished but never ostentatious, perfectly suited for tonight’s celebration.

Naylor pressed his lips together. He’d always known Elodie was striking, but still…

He shook his head, then approached Alexander. “Mr. Sterling, I apologize for not greeting you at the door. The party doesn’t start for another hour-please, come in and make yourselves comfortable.”

Alexander nodded, keeping things cordial. “I thought I’d see Mr. Warwick-has he not arrived?”

Elodie stood quietly by Alexander’s side, making no move to greet Naylor.

Naylor frowned before responding, “My brother is tending to other matters-there are quite a few guests tonight. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all. We’ll head in, then.” Alexander didn’t linger, motioning for Elodie to follow.

She nodded, completely ignoring Naylor from start to finish.

He noticed her coldness, watching her retreating figure with a stiff, almost troubled expression.

As expected, he thought bitterly. Elodie was nothing but a pretty face. Did she not even have the decency for basic manners? No wonder Mr. Charlie Sterling never took a liking to her back at Goldspire.

“Mr. Whitaker, there are more guests arriving,” someone called, snapping Naylor out of his thoughts.

He straightened, his manner quickly returning to normal. “Who is it?”

Inside the manor’s garden, Elodie and Alexander mingled among a few familiar faces-even Mr. Ableson from the renewables division was here.

Alexander scanned the room before leaning in to murmur, “I don’t see Jarrod. He hasn’t reached out to you, has he?”

Elodie shook her head. “No.”

Alexander let out a dry laugh. “He must be in a bind-forced to keep up appearances at a party like this when you’re about to divorce. I have to admit, I’m

curious how he’s going to handle being here with you tonight.”

Just then, Mr. Ableson approached, greeting them warmly and striking up a light conversation.

But before long, a stir at the entrance caught everyone’s attention.

Elodie glanced over-and her brows immediately knitted.

There, at the door, Jarrod walked in with Sylvie on his arm. Behind them, Maurice and Joseph made their way through the crowd, stopping to greet guests as they went.

Sylvie clung to Jarrod, the two of them surrounded by people eager to make their acquaintance. With their striking looks and easy charm, they instantly became the evening’s focal point.

Mr. Ableson let out a knowing sigh. “Well, it seems the rumors were true-Mr. Silverstein and Ms. Fielding really are inseparable. Important night like this, and she’s the one on his arm.”

Alexander’s expression darkened. He’d assumed Jarrod’s biggest problem tonight would be navigating the “secret marriage” with Elodie, especially with the Warwicks’ insistence on appearances. He certainly hadn’t expected this.