His gaze lingered for barely two seconds before he looked away, turning his head


    as he stepped onto the stage with Sylvie.


    Elodie didn''t bother to watch them.


    She picked up her ss and took another sip of juice.


    Upstairs, Naylor and his friends hadn''t missed a moment of this little petition."


    Leaning backzily on the couch, Naylor grinned. "Now this is entertaining. Elodie''s really overestimating herself from trying to outbid Ms. Fielding for that ring earlier, to now fighting for a spot in the performance. She''s practically got ''insecure rival'' written all over her face."


    He suddenly remembered that art show, when Grady had tried gossiping with him about Elodie''s marriage, and Sylvie had been the one to shut down the rumors on Elodie''s behalf.


    At least Sylvie never stooped to petty rivalry.


    She even managed to save Elodie some face, letting bygones be bygones.


    On that front, Elodie couldn''t evenpare to Sylvie.


    Elias arched a brow, his gaze drifting idly down to where Elodie sat.


    Naylor leaned closer. "That Elodie... I doubt she''s going to get over Mr. Silverstein anytime soon."


    But Elias just looked thoughtful. "I wouldn''t be so sure."


    Naylor shot him a confused look, but Elias didn''t borate.


    In truth, when Jarrod and Sylvie took the stage, Elias happened to catch a glimpse of Elodie''s face the angle revealed a flicker of something cold and mocking.


    She truly...


    Didn''t care at all.


    Elodie could keep herposure because the years had hardened her heart, made it resilient under pressure.


    But Esmeralda, watching from the sidelines, was nowhere near as calm.


    She red at the stage, at the perfect couple performing together, her anger simmering on Elodie''s behalf.


    Had Jarrod ever truly seen Elodie as his wife?


    How could he parade his affection for another woman so openly, acting as though Elodie''s feelings didn''t exist?


    "If we didn''t have to track down Fergus, I''d leave right now. Who wants to watch those two y their little duet?" Esmeralda downed her ss of sparkling water in one go, but the frustration still burned inside her.


    She couldn''t imagine how Elodie had survived all these years.


    Elodie just shook her head. "As long as we find Fergus, nothing else matters."


    Esmeralda could only nod. "Alright, if you say so."


    She muttered, "Still, Jarrod''s actually pretty good up there. Guess that''s what top- tier family training gets you talent in everything."


    Elodie didn''t respond. She hadn''t expected it either.


    Looking back now, three years hadn''t been enough for her to truly understand Jarrod. Yet Sylvie, in just a few months, had managed to win his trustpletely.


    It was painfully clear-Jarrod had built imprable walls around his life and his heart, at least where Elodie was concerned.


    The performance ended.


    Thunderous apuse erupted.


    This time, Jarrod stood and offered his hand to Sylvie. She smiled, cing her


    hand in his, and rose to curtsy with swan-like grace.


    He-soposed and striking-made her shine all the brighter.


    The result was obvious:


    Five schools would be built in Jarrod and Sylvie''s names.


    Elodie felt nothing.


    Her heart was numb, untouched by pain or disappointment.


    The banquet continued.


    The emcee returned to the stage, beaming. "Tonight isn''t just about charity for children in need-it''s also a cause for celebration for The Jett Group!"


    Elodie finally turned her head toward the stage.


    She saw Queenie, arm in arm with Ivan, stepping into the spotlight.


    Queenie''s face was radiant with joy. Clutching Ivan''s arm, she swept her gaze across the audience. "Tonight, Ivan and I have decided... we''re getting engaged!"