"All right, take care on your way."


    Elodie didn''t bother to exin why she wasn''t leaving with Jarrod.


    She knew exactly where he was headed-straight to Sylvie.


    There was no way he''d waste his precious time with Sylvie just to give her a ride home.


    The next two days passed in silence.


    Nothing from Sylvie, and Jarrod didn''t reach out to Elodie, either.


    She wasn''t sure if this meant things were over, but with everything else demanding her attention, she found it impossible to feel at ease.


    On Friday morning, Jarrod finally called. His tone was neutral, almost cold. "Octavia''s had an allergic reaction again. She refuses to let the staff help and insists you were the only one who didn''t make it hurtst time. Could youe take a look at her?"


    Elodie pressed her lips together. "...Sure."


    Octavia wasn''t her responsibility. She could have said no.


    But since Jarrod was asking, and this could be seen as a favor, she figured he''d have no reason to hold the gallery situation over her head anymore.


    "That painting-"


    "Jarrod, what do you think of this dress?" Sylvie''s gentle voice floated through from his end of the line.


    It was barely past nine in the morning the busiest time of day—and he was out shopping with Sylvie?


    The call disconnected abruptly.


    Elodie was long used to being an afterthought.


    She requested a day off and headed out to the Silverstein estate.


    Octavia was pampered and sensitive, prone to allergic re-ups at the slightest provocation. Her skin would break out in itchy, painful rashes, and she''d throw a fit


    at anyone who tried to treat her-doctor or staff alike.


    But Elodie was careful, attentive. Over the past three years, she''d tended to Octavia more than a few times.


    And Octavia hade to expect it.


    Returning to the Silverstein mansion, Elodie felt a twinge of mixed emotion. She''d sworn to Jarrod she would never set foot here again, and yet, here she was, swallowing her pride because she had no choice.


    He''d probably think she was pathetic.


    The housekeeper met her at the door, offering her a pair of slippers.


    Even Jarrod''s grandmother came over to warm Elodie''s hands. "She''s upstairs, making a fuss. Only you seem to know how to handle that girl."


    Elodie just smiled and kept quiet, heading straight upstairs to check on Octavia.


    Octavia red at her the moment she walked in. "Were you crawling here on all fours? What took you so long? I''m itching like crazy!"


    Elodie, expression cool, walked over. "Lift your shirt."


    Octavia pouted, unimpressed by Elodie''s indifference. "Do you have to be so mean..."


    A quick nce was all it took. Two dime-sized rashes on her back-nothing serious.


    But both Jarrod and Octavia seemed to think Elodie should be avable on demand, as if her own life and priorities didn''t matter.


    "Did you eat walnuts?" Elodie asked.


    Octavia scowled, annoyed by how quickly Elodie had figured it out.


    She couldn''t deny that Elodie was a good person-few women were as meticulous or reliable. For three years, Elodie had looked after her with unwavering care, always mindful of her allergies, never missing a detail.


    But so what? Octavia still didn''t think she was good enough.


    There were better candidates for her brother''s wife, and she wasn''t stupid.


    Still, she enjoyed the attention. If only Elodie would stoppeting for the title of Mrs. Silverstein and learn her ce, things would be so much simpler.


    Once she''d finished applying the ointment, Elodie didn''t linger.


    As she was heading down, Jarrod returned, looking rxed-probably home for lunch.


    His grandmother''s face lit up when she spotted the two of them together. "Perfect timing! Your great-aunt was just asking about you both. Come say hello in a bit, will you?"


    Jarrod nced at his watch, already preparing his excuse. "Sorry, Grandma, I have a virtual meeting soon."


    Elodie wasn''t surprised.


    He never bothered to pretend in front of others.


    His indifference towards her was obvious to everyone.


    She answered calmly, "It''s all right, Grandma. Let him focus on work."


    But Jarrod''s grandmother wasn''t about to let him off so easily. She shot him a withering look. "What''s so urgent? Have you even said a word to Elodie since you walked in? Can''t you see how much she''s done for Octavia this morning?"


    "Do


    you think Elodie''s invisible?"


    Jarrod''s expression didn''t change; he just gave a faint smile. "You''re right, Grandma."


    The words were polite, but there was no real apology behind them.


    With a huff, she stepped forward and gave him a firm smack on the chest. "Come here-stand next to Elodie. I have something important to say."


    Jarrod let himself be pulled along, stopping only when he was right by Elodie''s side.