The crowd had barely glimpsed Jarrod''s arrival before a wave of warmth spread through their ranks. Everyone greeted him enthusiastically, ushering him and hispanion into the heart of the venue.


    As they walked, thepliments flowed effortlessly. "Ms. Fielding and Mr. Silverstein make a stunning pair. Having you both here tonight is truly an honor for TerraCore Technologies."


    "Mr. Silverstein, Ms. Fielding, please follow me-your seats are ready."


    Suddenly, Elodie''s voice cut through the polite chatter, catching everyone off guard.


    All eyes snapped to her. These were seasoned yers in the world of business and society, quick to size up anyone new. Not recognizing her, one of the executives politely inquired, "And you are...?"


    Elodie''s gaze lingered on Jarrod, but she answered calmly, "Elodie Thorne, VistaLink Technologies."


    A flicker of understanding crossed their faces. "Ah, from VistaLink Technologies. But Ms. Thorne, are you acquainted with Mr. Silverstein?"


    After all, it wasn''t every day someone called Jarrod by his first name and requested a private conversation in front of everyone.


    Tonight, Jarrod was the undisputed VIP. Even if Elodie worked for VistaLink Technologies, she wasn''t on the same level as him-certainly not a peer like Mr. Sterling. Was she overstepping, or was there something personal between them?


    Elodie didn''t respond this time. What could she possibly say? Announce they were married?


    Jarrod certainly wouldn''t back her up.


    Sylvie''s delicate face remained unreadable, lips curled in an enigmatic smile. She nced at Jarrod, whose own expression was impossible to decipher, then gracefully slipped her arm from his. "Jarrod, I''ll wait for you inside," she said, her tone poised and generous.


    She carried herself with effortlessposure, making it clear she had no intention ofpeting with Elodie for attention.


    Elodie''s public attempt to approach Jarrod didn''t bother her-if anything, Sylvie found it beneath her to care.


    She knew Jarrod wasn''t a man Elodie could sway.


    Elodie didn''t spare Sylvie a look; her demeanor was cool, almost indifferent.


    Jarrod, however, kept his eyes on Sylvie and replied quietly, "No need. I''ll go in with you."


    He turned atst to Elodie, his gaze distant and cold. "Sorry, I don''t have time right now."


    Elodie was taken aback. She hadn''t expected Jarrod to refuse so bluntly.


    She''d never approached him in public before-never mind making it clear she needed to speak with him. For someone as sharp as Jarrod, he must have known she actually needed something.


    Yet he wouldn''t spare her even a moment, not here, not tonight.


    Just because Sylvie was present—he wouldn''t risk slighting her for Elodie''s sake.


    Sylvie''s expression remainedposed, but a subtle sweetness flickered in her eyes as Jarrod turned Elodie away. She slipped her delicate hand back onto Jarrod''s arm as if they were inseparable. "Let''s go in, then."


    She didn''t spare Elodie a second nce, treating her like she was nothing more than a wisp of air.


    "Mm." Jarrod nodded, unhurried.


    He walked past Elodie without another word, leaving a chill in his wake that stung her cheeks like needles.


    The TerraCore executives exchanged knowing nces. It was obvious: Mr. Silverstein hadn''t given Ms. Thorne from VistaLink Technologies the slightest courtesy.


    If she''d wanted to discuss business, he was never this dismissive-especially given VistaLink''s rising prominence.


    Still, everyone kept up appearances. They nodded politely to Elodie, then filed into the main ballroom.


    Elodie didn''t care what they thought. Jarrod''s coldness had caught her off guard, but after the initial shock, she felt nothing more.


    From the moment they''d agreed to a secret marriage, they''d set ground rules. She had no reason to tear down that curtain in public now.