She was always quiet, keeping mostly to herself, and with him, she was nothing if not politely distant.


    Joseph pressed his lips together. "d to hear it."


    Elodie turned to nce at him. "Is there anything else you need, Mr. Dcroix?"


    He caught her meaning and shook his head. "No, that''s all. I''ll leave you in peace."


    After he left, Elodie lingered a while longer, enjoying the solitude. Nights like this, when everything was still, were surprisinglyforting. As the hour grewte, she finally got up, ready to head back into her tent.


    The moment she stood, she heard footsteps nearby, and the faint glow of antern flickered through the darkness.


    A woman''s voice, soft and edged withughter, floated over. "Is this your tent?"


    Elodie looked toward the sound.


    Sylvie stood arm-in-arm with the tall, broad-shouldered Jarrod. He ducked inside the tent first, with Sylvie following close behind. They disappeared together into the same tent.


    They''re sharing a tent...


    Elodie''s gaze flickered, the realization catching her off guard. She hadn''t expected that—especially with Jarrod knowing she''d be staying here tonight. He didn''t even try to avoid her.


    Her fingers tightened around her thermos. She turned and headed back to her


    own tent.


    This was an upscale resort, with every amenity at the highest standard—even the tents were more like luxury suites,plete with soft mattresses, sofas, and a coffee table. She barely felt the chill of the night and slept straight through until morning.


    For her, that was something of a luxury.


    Stepping out of her tent at dawn, she passed by Jarrod''s. Only then did she notice it was already empty-the beds were perfectly made, as if no one had slept there at all.


    She didn''t think much of it and caught the shuttle to freshen up.


    The morning air was crisp and clean, and Elodie felt herself rx for the first time in days.


    Inside the powder room, she heard Octavia''s voice from one of the stalls, chatting on the phone. "Howe I didn''t see my brother around?"


    Whoever was on the other end said something Elodie couldn''t catch.


    Octaviaughed, unable to hide her amusement. "You and my brother snuck back


    to the hotel in the middle of the night? Oh, I get it now..."


    Elodie paused, realization sinking in.


    They hadn''t stayed herest night after all.


    Probably decided the tents weren''t private enough for...well, for whatever couples in love get up to.


    Young lovers always a spark, never patient.


    That was the only exnation that made sense.


    She stood there, lost in thought for a moment, then made her way back to the hotel.


    She needed to get herself ready-fix her makeup, gather herself, make sure she looked as calm andposed as ever. It was something she''d forced herself to do these days.


    The retreat wouldst until the afternoon.


    When she finally came downstairs, she learned that Jarrod and Sylvie had already left.


    Maybe he just found her presence a little too much to handle.


    Elodie didn''t let it bother her. She had breakfast and then settled into the café, pouring over her data. Alexander had made it clear: the project they were pushing forward would eventually be reviewed by Dr. Charlie himself—there was no room for error.


    Esmeralda only heard about the previous night''s drama today. She was practically kicking herself for noting camping, wishing she could''ve defended Elodie.


    But Elodie had long since made peace with these things.


    Given her condition, if she let her feelings get the better of her, all she''d do was make herself sicker-and her time even shorter.


    Monday


    Work fell back into its relentless rhythm.


    VistaLink Technologies had several regr partners, and they handled all ongoing technical support in-house.


    Alexander took Elodie along to meet with one of their clients to iron out some technical details.


    As they passed the unmistakable Silverstein Building in the heart of the CBD, Elodie didn''t spare it a second nce.


    Their client''s office was just around the corner from The Silverstein Group.


    During the meeting, Elodie caught sight of Keith, deep in conversation with another group-probably negotiating on Jarrod''s behalf.


    Keith noticed her too. His brows drew together in a frown as he started, "El—"


    Elodie didn''t acknowledge him. She brushed past, not giving him so much as a nce.