Jarrod lowered his gaze to his phone, saying nothing.
Sylvie arched an eyebrow but didn''t bother to exin herself.
Only Maurice pped him on the shoulder. "She wouldn''t dare."
Elodie''s eyes were only for Jarrod. She would never, not in a million years, even think about betraying him.
Grady looked confused. "What do you mean?"
Maurice just smiled, leaving it at that.
Alexander actually did have ns-he was meeting with a professor.
Before leaving, he fussed over her, reminding her, "The hotel restaurant''s pasta and sushi are both excellent. Try them if you get the chance, and I''ll bring you some candied fruit when I get back tonight."
Elodie couldn''t help butugh. "Alright."
After all these years, Alexander had always been attentive and thoughtful. He knew her likes and dislikes better than most.
Elodie was staying in an executive suite. After she finished unpacking, she found her mind wandering to Jarrod and his group.
This floor housed the executive suites; above them were the presidential suites. Jarrod and Sylvie were probably staying upstairs, she guessed.
But she didn''t dwell on it.
When lunchtime rolled around, Elodie took her phone and headed downstairs to eat.
The hotel''s restaurant was upscale, all polished wood and soft lighting. She picked a table by the window and, dining alone, ordered just a te of pasta and a bowl of soup.
When Jarrod and the others came down, they immediately spotted Elodie, sitting all by herself.
Most tables were busy with conversation andughter, but she sat alone— impossible not to notice.
She looked so solitary.
Elodie noticed them too.
She paused for a moment, then lowered her gaze and continued with her meal.
She knew they didn''t want herpany. The whole situation was fraught andplicated; it was best to keep their distance and avoid any awkwardness.
Sylvie nced at Elodie, then looked away, following Jarrod to their table.
Maurice raised his eyebrows at Jarrod. "Don''t you think she looks a little pathetic over there, eating alone? Maybe we should invite her to join us?"
Sylvie paused, wiping her hands, and nced at Jarrod.
Jarrod was studying the menu, expression cool and indifferent. "What do you all want to eat?"
At that, Sylvie smiled knowingly.
Exactly as she expected.
Jarrod couldn''t stand Elodie; most of the time, he didn''t even bother to pretend otherwise.
Maurice got the message.
Fair enough.
It would just be awkward.
If Elodie joined them, it''d be a disaster.
Grady, still not following, chimed in, "I really don''t see the point. Last time Sylvie went to VistaLink, Elodie left her hanging. No need for pleasantries." They ced their orders.
Then, suddenly, Jarrod pointed to a signature dish on the menu. "Two of these. Send one over to that table."
The waiter looked over at Elodie''s table. "Of course, sir."
Sylvie blinked in surprise.
But then she understood.
After all, it would be rude not to invite her to join them, but Elodie sitting there all alone looked a bit pitiful. Sending her a dish was a gesture-just enough to smooth things over.
Otherwise, they''d look likeplete jerks.
Maurice gave Jarrod a thumbs-up. "Exactly. Gotta keep up appearances. Elodie''s easy to please anyway-do this and she won''t make a fuss."
Jarrod didn''t say another word, just took a sip of his Burgundy.
When the dish arrived at her table, Elodie frowned slightly.
The waiter smiled. "Compliments of the gentleman over there. Enjoy your meal, miss."
Elodie stared at the te, then nced across the room at the group, deep in conversation andughter.
Not one of them spared her so much as a nce.
She knew this wasn''t an act of kindness from Jarrod.
It felt more like a token gesture-a way to keep her at arm''s length, the same way
he always had.
Effortless, dismissive, as if she could be pacified with the smallest crumb.
She gazed at the te for a few moments, untouched.
Then she set her fork down, rose quietly, and left.