Alexander had already promised Steene he’d attend the wedding, and now that Jarrod and Sylvie would be there as well, Elodie couldn’t be bothered to worry about them. She exchanged a brief greeting with Steene before heading off with Alexander, leaving the others behind.

Even if it was Steene’s fourth time tying the knot, proper manners were still in order.

Elodie and Alexander decided to pick out a wedding gift for Steene together.

The next day, they hailed a cab and made their way to the venue.

The ceremony was outdoors-a lively garden party rather than a formal affair.

Though Steene was no longer young, he’d always had a modern outlook. His new wife, in fact, had once been his student.

As soon as Steene spotted Alexander and Elodie arriving, he strode over with genuine warmth, showing none of the aloofness you might expect from someone of his stature.

Elodie handed him the gift. “Congratulations, Professor Steene.”

Steene’s eyes softened. “Thank you. And you and Alexander-are you two…?”

Elodie smiled lightly. “He’s an old friend from college. We went to the same university, and now we’re business partners. It’s not the kind of relationship you’re thinking of.”

“She’s also my father’s student-actually, his only current protégé. You can think of us as siblings,” Alexander added, aware of Steene’s curiosity. People often made the wrong assumption about him and Elodie.

“Charlie’s student?” Steene was genuinely surprised. He knew just how exacting Charlie was, how selective. For Elodie to earn his recognition, she had to be much more capable than she appeared. “Then Ms. Thorne, you must be exceptional.”

Elodie gave a modest laugh. “You flatter me.”

Before long, Jarrod and Sylvie arrived as well.

Sylvie wore a fitted evening gown and entered on Jarrod’s arm. As they passed through the crowd, several guests recognized Jarrod the finance world heavyweight who often appeared in New York’s business news. When their eyes landed on Sylvie, curiosity and envy flickered across their faces.

“Professor Steene, this is a wedding gift from both Jarrod and me,” Sylvie said with a gentle smile as she presented it.

Alexander caught the subtle emphasis. “From both of us.” As if they were already a unit—practically married. Just in case anyone missed the point about their

closeness.

Elodie picked up on it too, but it no longer concerned her.

Steene, amused by Sylvie’s phrasing, studied her with renewed interest. He only knew her as a rising talent in the field; they’d met yesterday and he’d learned she graduated from Pinecrest Institute of Technology. It turned out he even knew her former mentor. Now, with Jarrod by her side, the two looked every bit the perfect couple. His opinion of Sylvie rose a notch.

“Thank you,” Steene said, then with a playful glint though it was hard to tell if he was joking or not-added, “So, how long have you two been together? Planning your own wedding yet? Maybe today’s festivities will inspire you, and you can join us for a ‘practice ceremony’ just for fun.”

Had Elodie not already clarified things with Alexander, Steene might well have suggested a group wedding for all the young couples. How entertaining that would

be!

Sylvie’s lips curled in a faint smile as she glanced instinctively at Jarrod.

Jarrod’s expression was cool and composed as ever. “You’re teasing us, Professor,” he replied politely.

Sylvie understood-Jarrod was a man who made plans for everything important; he had no interest in spontaneous gestures. He preferred to do things the proper way.

Alexander grinned, half-teasing, “Come on, Mr. Silverstein, don’t be shy. Now that you’re single, shouldn’t you be eager to make it official?”

Sylvie’s brow creased slightly; something about the remark felt off.

Jarrod looked at Alexander, his gaze inevitably drawn to Elodie, who stood nearby with an air of distant indifference. “Today’s about

Professor Steene,” Jarrod Saidal ne

evenly. “No need to make us the center of attention, Mr. Sterling.”

“Quite right,” Alexander replied, amused. Jarrod certainly knew how to keep a low profile when it mattered.

He rested a hand on Elodie’s shoulder and suggested quietly, “Shall we find our seats?”

At that, Steene said, “Why don’t you all join the VIP table? You’re honored guests.”