Jarrod ascended the stairs one deliberate step at a time until he stood just behind Elodie, his gaze cool and steady on Octavia a silent warning in his eyes.

Octavia shrank back instinctively, darting behind Lucinda for cover.

Lucinda understood Jarrod’s meaning at once. Octavia’s words had been reckless, especially in such a public setting. Walls had ears, and if anyone overheard, the messy love triangle would be out in the open for all to see.

And that would be the end of any semblance of dignity.

“Go find your grandmother.” Lucinda shot Octavia a pointed look, her brow furrowing in disapproval.

Octavia bit her lip, shot a resentful glare at Elodie, and stomped off, clearly unwilling but not daring to argue.

Sensing Jarrod behind her, Elodie shifted ever so slightly, putting a bit more space between them in the narrow corridor.

Lucinda regarded Elodie with a complicated expression. “Tonight’s gathering may have been arranged specially for you by Mrs. Silverstein, but officially, it’s just a casual dinner party-not an announcement that the family is welcoming a new daughter-in-law. No one here will know who you really are. If you’re grateful for her kindness, then be mindful-don’t give yourself away and drag the Silversteins into a scandal.”

Rumors about Jarrod and Sylvie were already swirling everywhere.

If Elodie were to openly declare herself as Mrs. Silverstein now, it might not have any real impact on the family’s standing, but it would certainly become the talk of the town.

Besides, the Fieldings’ tech company was still in its infancy-hardly in a position to become the Silversteins’ in-laws just yet.

Best to keep things quiet for now.

Elodie’s face was unreadable, her tone cool and measured. “It’s the Silversteins hosting this party. Why are you lecturing me about propriety?” She saw right through Lucinda’s maneuvering.

Lucinda’s frown deepened.

Jarrod glanced at Elodie, then at Lucinda, his tone dry and detached. “Has Elodie ever put the Silversteins in a difficult position? If we’re talking about scandal, that’s a conversation you should be having with me.”

Lucinda was caught off guard by that. She scowled, shot Elodie one last look, and left to mingle with the guests.

When people asked what the celebration was for, she simply replied, “A family blessing.” No one pressed further.

Elodie didn’t spare Jarrod a backward glance. She made her way toward Mrs. Silverstein, intending to let her know she’d arrived and hopefully spare her any more worry for the rest of the evening.

As for Jarrod’s rebuke of Octavia, it wasn’t about defending Elodie. He was only worried Octavia might blurt out Sylvie’s involvement in front of the wrong people. His concern was for Sylvie, not Elodie.

Jarrod, for his part, didn’t seem to mind Elodie’s aloofness. There was always a measured distance between them, never standing close enough to give anyone reason to gossip.

When Maurice and Joseph approached, Maurice clapped Jarrod on the shoulder and said in a low voice, “Quite a fuss they’ve made for Elodie, huh? Mrs. Silverstein certainly dotes on her. So what are you going to do about Sylvie when the time comes?”

Surely Jarrod wouldn’t let Sylvie be wronged.

Jarrod lifted his glass and took a contemplative sip, offering no response.

Joseph watched Elodie’s retreating figure, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. No matter how much he tried, her quiet strength always caught him off guard.

From her seat, Mrs. Silverstein could see the pair-Elodie and Jarrod-moving through the crowd, always several yards apart, strangers in their own story. She couldn’t help but sigh. She had her own reasons for orchestrating the evening and had hoped Jarrod’s invitation might prompt them to drop the charade and announce their marriage. It would have silenced the whispers and made her intentions clear to those watching from the sidelines.

But, as it turned out, neither wanted to play along.

They’d even arrived separately.

The evening was designed to be informal and welcoming, not so stuffy that guests felt stifled. People were free to mingle and talk business if they liked—a perfect networking opportunity.

Elodie watched the endless stream of guests gathering around Mrs. Silverstein. After a moment’s thought, she decided not to approach; it was enough that her attendance would put the old woman at ease.

She was genuinely grateful for Mrs. Silverstein’s efforts on her behalf, but good intentions could only go so far. Whatever they’d once been, she and Jarrod were no longer husband and wife. All she could do was make sure Mrs. Silverstein didn’t feel her kindness had gone to waste.