Naylor’s voice carried just enough—loud enough for the two nearest tables to catch every word.

Almost in sync, heads turned toward Jarrod and Elodie, curiosity flickering openly

in their eyes.

Sylvie’s expression shifted. She glanced down at Jarrod’s wrist, noting the edge of his watch, then shot a sharp look at Elodie across the table.

So that’s how it is…

Had Elodie really schemed this far?

Naylor himself looked rather conflicted. Matching couple watches? That was laying it on a bit thick.

A guest nearby couldn’t help but tease, “Well, now, isn’t that a coincidence.”

“Isn’t it just?” someone chimed in. “Mr. Silverstein and Ms. Thorne’s watches-I’ve seen that design before. It’s a limited edition for couples, though they do sell them individually. But you two really are something else, showing up like this.”

Another guest quickly waved a hand. “Oh, I’m sure it’s just a fluke. Ms. Thorne must’ve picked it at random. Ms. Fielding probably owns the same watch, just didn’t wear it today, right?”

Sylvie had no choice but to rein in her annoyance toward Elodie. She offered the group a faint, polite smile, letting silence serve as her answer.

Joseph watched the scene unfold, his brows furrowing in concern as he sent a worried glance Elodie’s way.

Naylor arched an eyebrow, his tone meaningful. “Ms. Thorne, this little misunderstanding is rather amusing, wouldn’t you say?”

Alexander frowned, about to interject, but Elodie acted first. With a calm, indifferent air, she unfastened the watch and slipped it into her purse. She had no interest in explaining herself, nor in playing along with the teasing about her and Jarrod’s accidental “couple’s look.”

She didn’t even bother to respond to the banter. No matter how playful or curious the others seemed, Elodie carried herself like an outsider, refusing to fan the flames or use the situation to her advantage.

Only then did Jarrod glance up, his dark eyes unreadable-no joy, no irritation, just the cool detachment of a spectator.

Naylor took in Elodie’s reaction, his own expression shifting as confusion crept in. She wasn’t just refusing to explain—she wasn’t acknowledging the situation at all.

Alexander seized the chance to steer the conversation away, joking lightly, “It’s purely coincidence. Mr. Silverstein’s lovely companion is right here maybe we should be paying more attention to Ms. Fielding. Wouldn’t want her feeling left out, would we?”

Sylvie paused, pressing her lips together discreetly. Then, as if nothing had happened, she leaned over to whisper something to Jarrod, whose composure hadn’t wavered all evening.

With Elodie taking off the watch, making it clear she wanted no part in any misunderstanding, the guests had little choice but to let the matter drop-though the coincidence still felt uncanny.

Naylor shot Elodie a final, searching look before settling into the seat at the next table. Was she just that good at playing innocent? He honestly couldn’t tell what her game was anymore.

Elodie took a sip of tea, quickly sorting through her thoughts. The watch was a birthday gift from her grandmother, left in their bedroom that morning for her to take. The executive had said it was a couple’s edition, though the brand sold them separately as well. Still, she suspected her grandmother had intentionally ordered two, one for her and one for Jarrod, without ever mentioning the “couple” label. Otherwise, why would Jarrod be wearing his here?

Just then, Mr. Ableson, seated beside her, let out a warm laugh. “Oh, people do love to read into things. Ms. Thorne’s been married for ages. For all we know, that watch is something she picked out with her husband.”