Jarrod’s eyes held a hint of mockery. His tone was perfectly neutral, yet there was always something in it that made Elodie feel uneasy.

A sudden flush crept up Elodie’s cheeks.

She knew exactly why.

Back then, desperate for Jarrod to get used to her presence and take her seriously as his wife, she’d forced herself to call him “darling” even when it made her cringe. Every other sentence out of her mouth started with that word.

Even when they were intimate, she would murmur it softly against his ear.

Not that it ever mattered.

Jarrod almost never responded to her.

And now, having it laid bare like this, she couldn’t help but feel awkward and exposed.

Seeing the change in her expression, Jarrod felt a sense of inevitability. She was still the same Elodie.

No matter how composed she seemed on the surface, she always gave herself away eventually.

He let out a quiet, derisive laugh, then turned away, clearly done with the conversation.

But to Elodie, his attitude was more grating than words.

She wanted to say that it didn’t matter anymore, since they’d be divorced soon anyway—but before she could, the elevator doors slid open.

Jarrod stepped out and disappeared down the corridor without so much as a backward glance.

Elodie didn’t even get the chance to speak.

Once they were in the car, Esmeralda launched straight into a tirade. “If this deal hadn’t been settled last month, I swear, I’d have torn that woman’s little façade to shreds! Lying there like she’s God’s gift, acting as if being a homewrecker is something to be proud of!”

Jarrod owned more companies than anyone could count, dabbling across industries, and his manufacturing firm, VistaLink Technologies, was one of the best. They’d worked with Nexus Analytics on several drone manufacturing contracts before-always a smooth partnership.

But that was then.

Now, Nexus Analytics had turned into Sylvie’s little playground.

Elodie rubbed her temples, trying to soothe Esmeralda. “I’m all right. We’ll run into each other in business again for sure. VistaLink Technologies isn’t some industry behemoth like The Silverstein Group. Making enemies would be a bad move.”

If Sylvie really lost face in public, Jarrod might just retaliate against VistaLink Technologies.

After all, he’d always shielded Sylvie.

And with her own health uncertain, the last thing Elodie wanted was for her company to get caught in the crossfire.

Esmeralda was both furious and protective. “They’re all idiots! Just let your confidentiality agreement expire-then let’s see if that little brat can still act so smug! She thinks she’s something special? There’s always someone better out there. And Jarrod? He’s just plain blind!”

She shoved her phone toward Elodie. “Look! I posted your photo on my story and the comments section exploded-everyone’s asking if you’re single, begging me to introduce them. Take a look, see if anyone catches your eye. Time to shine-in love and business! Let Jarrod eat his heart out!”

No one could deny Elodie’s beauty, but she was naturally reserved, never one to seek attention, so she often drifted into the background.

But once you noticed her, it was impossible to look away.

Elodie just smiled faintly. “Jarrod won’t care. And I don’t have the energy for that.

My only goal this morning is to secure the project.”

With her illness, there were no guarantees.

She only wanted to invest her time and strength into things that mattered.

That afternoon, Elodie went home, baked a batch of sweet pastries, and brought them to the nursing home.

Her uncle’s fees were due again.

Emile was in good spirits today. When he saw her, his smile was gentle. “It’s freezing out—what are you doing here?”

Elodie stepped forward and took his hand. “I missed you. I was worried you’d be lonely here by yourself.”

He laughed. “You underestimate me. I’m very popular, you know! The parents always bring their kids over and ask me to help with their homework. I’m busy as ever-so quit worrying.”

Elodie couldn’t help but laugh. “Of course, Professor Thorne, the most sought- after. Looks like you don’t need me at all.”

Emile pressed a peeled clementine into her hand. “Take care of yourself, that’s more important than anything. Has Jarrod not come with you lately?”

Elodie’s smile faltered.

He hadn’t.

Especially since Sylvie showed up.

Jarrod’s entire focus had shifted to Sylvie, leaving Elodie and her family forgotten.

Emile noticed the change. Usually, when Elodie visited, she’d talk about Jarrod, about the Silverstein family, and her hopes for a bright future. There was always a spark of optimism. But today-that spark was gone.

He gently steered the conversation away. “You brought too many cookies again. Leave a couple of boxes, but take the rest home. Doesn’t your sister-in-law love them?”

Elodie didn’t answer.

After spending over an hour with Emile, she left the nursing home with two boxes of cookies, strolling through the park lost in thought.

She was so distracted that she didn’t notice the small drone hovering right in front of her, its rotors whirring ominously as it bobbed and swayed, suddenly darting toward her.