Selma was smiling, but there was a cold, glittering pride in her eyes—a sort of hauteur built from wealth and privilege.


    Elodie pressed her lips together, her expression cool and distant. She didn''t even bother to answer.


    How could she possibly greet the woman who''d stabbed her mother in the back and ruined her life with a smile?


    Maurice looked annoyed. "When someone older speaks to you, you should at least respond."


    Joseph, on the other hand, stayed quiet.


    He''d always thought of Elodie as someone who drew clear lines between love and hate. If she ever showed someone her indifference-or worse, her dislike-it was only because they''d earned it.


    People like them-Jarrod''s so-called friends.


    "It''s fine, she''s always been like this. No harm done." Selma, ever the gracious matriarch, acted as if there was no lingering grudge. "Today''s our housewarming party. Would you like to join us?"


    Elodie nced at Jarrod, who stood nearby, his face unreadable.


    If not for Jarrod''s arrangements, Selma never would have settled back in the country so quickly.


    The irony bit at her. After everything Selma had done to her mother, here she was, ying the part of the benevolent elder. To anyone who didn''t know better, she could have passed for a kind aunt.


    Elodie nced toward the banquet hall.


    People came and went, all movers and shakers from the business world.


    Selma had pulled out all the stops-her event was the talk of the night.


    Yet in all their years together, Jarrod had never shown Elodie''s grandmother or uncle this kind of respect, never given them this sort of grand reception.


    Elodie''s mind wandered to the other gift box in Jarrod''s car—no doubt carefully chosen for Sylvie and her family.


    "My dear Elodie''s schedule is packed," Esmeralda said, sweeping in with a dramatic roll of her eyes as she linked arms with Elodie. "She doesn''t have time to y happy families. We''ll leave you to it."


    Selma''s smile faltered, her brows drawing together in distaste.


    Who were these friends Elodie surrounded herself with?


    Jarrod gave Esmeralda a quick, inscrutable look.


    Sensing his gaze and worried Esmeralda might push things too far, Elodie tugged her gently away.


    Maurice and Joseph stared, mouths agape.


    Just as they were about to say something, Sylvie waved a hand, brushing it all aside with practicedposure.


    She kept her poise, though inwardly she thought their bravado was nothing but empty bluster—ast-ditch attempt to preserve their pride.


    But Sylvie had no intention of weing Elodie either. She turned to Selma: "Mom, you go ahead inside."


    Selma finally looked at Jarrod. "Jarrod, would you introduce me to the guests in a bit? I don''t want to risk offending anyone."


    Jarrod nodded. "Of course."


    Maurice grinned and followed after her. "Let me help, Aunt Selma. Meeting you will be an honor for them."


    Selma''s mood brightened, her smile returning, radiant and satisfied.


    Elodie had no desire to linger. She pulled Esmeralda with her and hurried away.


    Jarrod nced at Elodie''s retreating figure, then turned away without a word. Sylvie let out a silent, scornfulugh at his reaction.


    Elodie was just making her escape.


    She knew perfectly well that staying would only make things more awkward. After all, the guilty party is always the first to crumble.


    Outside the hotel, Esmeralda put her hands on her hips and pretended to gag. "What a performance! Anyone would think Jarrod was her beloved son-inw!" "And the way those two looked at you as if you''re the one intruding on their perfect little family. Jarrod''s really given them all the confidence in the world!"


    It was almost as if Elodie had to step aside for them.


    Elodie patted Esmeralda''s back to help her catch her breath.


    "Don''t worry. We''re getting divorced soon anyway," Elodie said, surprisingly calm.


    Esmeralda scoffed. "Until the papers are signed, she''s just the other woman! ssic ''there''s no order in love'' nonsense—what a piece of work."


    Elodie quickly covered Esmeralda''s mouth.


    Walls have ears. If Jarrod''s family caught wind of this...


    No telling what trouble it might stir up.


    Esmeralda stayed grumpy the whole drive, grumbling about the traffic while


    jabbing the radio to vent her frustration.


    Elodie let her be, giving her space to blow off steam.


    Then her phone buzzed-it was Alexander.


    "Elodie,e with me to Fairview Crossing this Wednesday," Alexander said, his


    voice tinged with mischief. "I think you''re going to like it."