Chapter 83
His eyes were cold and indifferent, his tone as flat as ever.
Yet Elodie felt her cheeks burning, her chest tight as if she’d taken a blow.
Jarrod’s unhesitating choice had rendered her utterly insignificant in front of Sylvie.
He didn’t care whether she’d worn the same dress by accident or on purpose.
Sylvie would always come first for him. He only cared about protecting Sylvie’s image, never mind Elodie’s embarrassment or discomfort.
“It’s just a dress, Mr. Silverstein. This is hardly a big deal,” Alexander said, his own expression less than pleasant. He shrugged off his suit jacket and draped it over Elodie’s shoulders. “Is that better?”
Only then did Elodie lower her gaze, taking a silent moment to steady her breath.
Jarrod glanced at Elodie without emotion. Alexander’s jacket covered half the dress now, and Elodie didn’t refuse his gentlemanly gesture.
“It’s fine, really. It doesn’t bother me,” Sylvie spoke up first, gracefully turning to the side. “Jarrod, let’s go find our seats.”
She let the incident go with magnanimous ease.
Jarrod’s gaze slid away from Elodie; he simply nodded. “Alright.”
The two of them walked off together.
Alexander couldn’t help but frown, giving Elodie’s back a reassuring pat.
Elodie curled her fingers into her palm before shaking her head, voice soft. “I’m alright.”
Of course, she couldn’t exactly go and change now. And she didn’t see why she should step aside for Sylvie’s sake.
As Maurice was leaving, he glanced back at Elodie, unable to resist a word of warning. “Wearing the same dress doesn’t matter, you know. Jarrod will always choose Sylvie.”
Whether it’s a dress or a career, it’s the person that matters-not these trivial details.
Unfortunately, Elodie didn’t understand that.
Maurice shrugged and walked away.
“Sylvie really knows how to work this crowd,” Alexander scoffed. “She’s got everyone so turned around, they don’t know right from wrong anymore.”
Elodie shook her head calmly. “It’s not about right or wrong. It’s about favoritism.”
She’d married Jarrod under less-than-gracious circumstances; the misunderstandings and prejudices about her had never faded. Once, she’d tried to explain herself.
Now, she just didn’t care anymore.
Alexander sighed quietly. Even as a bystander, he found it hard to bear. How must Elodie feel?
But Elodie showed little emotion. She even had the presence of mind to head for the refreshment table to recharge with a drink.
It was quieter over there.
She’d barely arrived when she spotted Queenie, retouching her makeup in the
corner.
Of course Queenie was here—if Ivan was invited, she’d be close by.
Elodie intended just to grab a glass of sparkling water and leave, but Queenie spotted her. “Elodie? What are you doing here?”
Elodie stopped politely. “I came with my boss.”
Queenie stood and walked over. “Mr. Sterling, right? Ivan was just saying he wanted to have a word with Mr. Sterling.”
Elodie took it in stride, offering no further comment.
“I heard you and Ivan were really close as kids,” Queenie said, tilting her head and smiling. “Reba said Ivan used to spoil you always sharing the best food and toys. She even thought you two would end up together.”
Elodie paused, meeting Queenie’s bright, inquisitive gaze.
“You should ask Ivan about that,” Elodie replied, utterly unruffled.
Queenie just laughed. “Just teasing.”
“I’ll go find Ivan-see you around.” She picked up a glass of wine, but as she turned, her eyes caught on the necklace at Elodie’s throat. Surprise flickered across her face. “Wait-how do you have that necklace?”
“Elodie, yesterday Ivan took me shopping for over half a million in jewelry. The store gave us a diamond necklace as a gift-did he give it to you?”
Elodie’s eyes hardened.noveldrama
…A freebie?
Queenie seemed to realize she’d said too much and gave an apologetic little wave. “Maybe I made a mistake-don’t misunderstand.”
With that, she finally walked away.
Elodie stood there a moment longer, then calmly unclasped the necklace and dropped it into her empty water glass.
The event began.
The front rows were filled with familiar faces. Elodie took her seat to Alexander’s
left.
On Alexander’s right, across the aisle, were Jarrod and Sylvie.
The host began his speech onstage.
Elodie noticed the crowd’s energy building. Alexander tapped her shoulder. “It’s starting.”