Jarrod actually showed up with Sylvie today!

Just like that, he didn’t have to bother with Elodie at all. Both of them could keep their promise to Henrietta-showing up together-while staying completely separate.

Alexander shot Elodie a dark look, his voice edged with frustration. “So from the start, when he said all you had to do was attend, he’d already decided to bring Sylvie along. If I hadn’t been invited to come with you, you would’ve been here all alone. If anyone asked, you wouldn’t even be able to say who you were with, or which family you were representing.”

Everyone at the event was somebody of importance, the faces of prominent families and corporations.

And Jarrod’s date? Sylvie.

With the divorce agreement hanging over her head, Elodie would be left out to dry, unable to explain herself-forced to watch Jarrod stand proudly with Sylvie, while everyone fawned over them.

Elodie pressed her lips together, shooting another glance in Jarrod’s direction. A

chill settled in her eyes.

Alexander wasn’t wrong.

Of course, she’d already made up her mind: if Alexander hadn’t been invited, no matter how Jarrod tried to explain things to his grandmother, she wouldn’t have come with him. There was never a chance she’d be left standing alone as Alexander described.

But now, in hindsight, she realized Jarrod had planned it all along-inviting her, all while knowing he’d bring Sylvie as his date. He hadn’t spared a thought for how she might look, or how she might feel. All he cared about was ticking a box for his grandmother.

As long as Jarrod kept this side of things under wraps, his grandmother would never hear a word about it.

Maybe her glare was a little too frosty, because Jarrod finally looked up and met her eyes—just for a second—before glancing away, as if she were a stranger.

Sylvie caught the look. She cast a quick, amused glance in Elodie’s direction, her smile tinged with mockery.

So what if Elodie was here too? She was never truly acknowledged.

*

Before long, the Warwicks began ushering guests to their assigned places.

The Warwick Mansion was decked out for the occasion, tables arranged in the ballroom. Before the formal dinner, there was a cocktail reception-a chance to mingle.

When Elodie sat down, she realized Jarrod and Sylvie were at the table beside hers.

She didn’t spare them a single glance, instead exchanging pleasantries from time to time with the CEOS and executives around her.

Maurice spotted Elodie and gave her a knowing look-he’d guessed she’d show up, one way or another. And with Alexander by her side, she had the perfect excuse. If Sylvie hadn’t come, Elodie might have wanted to make her relationship with Jarrod public.

Joseph, catching sight of her, paused in thought. He hadn’t expected Elodie to be here tonight; he’d already arranged for her to meet Elias Warwick privately, but now she had turned up at the party as well. Pulling out his phone, he texted Elias: [Are you still busy? When are you coming over to Warwick Mansion?]

After wrapping up his duties, Naylor made his way over to Jarrod and Sylvie’s table. “Mr. Silverstein, Ms. Fielding.”

He’d heard the rumors-Sylvie was about to launch her own company.

With genuine warmth, he offered, “Congratulations. I suppose soon we’ll be calling you President Fielding.”

Sylvie’s smile brightened. “Thank you, Mr. Whitaker. Of course, it helps to have Jarrod’s unconditional support-I only hope I can live up to it.”

As she spoke, she glanced at Jarrod, her expression softening.

Naylor watched her, impressed by her poise and charm. He couldn’t help but compare her to Elodie, who’d barely acknowledged him earlier.

There was simply no contest.

His eyes drifted over to Elodie, who was quietly sipping her tea. Then he noticed the watch on her wrist. Something about it caught his attention; his expression shifted, and he glanced back at Jarrod in surprise.

“Mr. Silverstein, your watch and Elodie’s…”

He trailed off, eyebrows raised. “They’re identical. Are those… matching couple’s watches?”