Those words seemed to put Sylvie at ease. She smiled softly. "Thank you."


    Queenie winked at her. "You know, you could always do what I did try having the baby first, then talk marriage."


    Sylvie blinked, ncing at Queenie''s still-t stomach.


    Queenie patted her belly, a thoughtful smile ying on her lips. "Ivan and I have been together for ages. If it weren''t for this baby, I doubt we''d be tying the knot anytime soon. Honestly, having a child is a great way to anchor a rtionship."


    If it weren''t for this baby, Ivan probably wouldn''t havemitted to marrying her- at least not yet.


    But now, with the news that Elodie had already married Jarrod, Queenie felt strangely relieved. At least...


    Her gaze flickered, but she let the thought drop.


    Sylvie couldn''t help ncing over at Ivan. Anyone could see he wasn''t the kind of man easily tamed. Maybe Queenie was right—a baby really did seem like a good way to make him settle down.


    "What are you two chatting about?" Maurice wandered over and noticed Sylvie gazing into her ss, lost in thought.


    Queenie chuckled. "Girl talk. You wouldn''t understand."


    Sylvie looked up. "Did Jarrod say when he''s getting here?"


    Maurice shrugged. "You know how busy he is. I checked up-most of your issues have smoothed over. Don''t stress about it."


    Sylvie said nothing.


    Sure, the online mess was handled, but dealing with their various business partners was still tricky-today had proven that. Still, she didn''tin. Comining wouldn''t solve anything; she preferred to focus on fixing problems efficiently.


    As for what others thought of her, that would just take time. Eventually, people would see where she stood in Jarrod''s life.


    "Your paper''s about to be published, right? And with Mr. Ferguson consulting on the Neural Intelligence project, once itunches, none of this will matter. You''ve got the talent to get through it." Maurice, ever theid-back yboy, took things in stride.


    Sylvie crossed her legs and nodded. "I''ll earn back every bit of that reputation on my own."


    Not like Elodie, who was basking in the glow of being acknowledged as Mrs. Silverstein.


    "Rx. Jarrod''s always got your back," Maurice reassured her.


    Everyone around Jarrod said that, and Sylvie''s lips curled in a silent smile. “I know."


    Jarrod arrived just as Ivan was stepping out for a smoke. They crossed paths in the doorway.


    Ivan spotted him, hands shoved in his eyebrow


    Shim, hands shoved in- She''s inside with Queenst


    Silverstein, here to see Ms.


    "


    "I''ve heard about what''s been going on these past couple days." Ivan leaned against the doorframe, clicking his tongue. "Must be a headache-doesn''t seem like a good way to keep everyone happy."


    ther


    Jarrod gave a faint, amused smile. "It''s not about keeping everyone happy."


    Ivan lit a cigarette. "Then can I ask-do you n on divorcing Elodie? Or is that off the table?"


    Jarrod''s eyshes lifted, calm as ever. "Is this your way of giving me advice, Mr. Harcourt?"


    Ivan hesitated for a second, then grinned. Not really. I just think you two are forcing something that isn''t


    there. Why drag it out? Letting go might be better for both of you."


    Jarrod replied carelessly, "She''s your sister. Isn''t it odd for you to be saying this to me?"


    Ivan faltered, then shrugged with a crooked smile. "I just think you both deserve a shot at real happiness."


    This time, Jarrod didn''t answer. He only nced over Ivan''s shoulder and said coolly, "Ms. Jett."


    Ivan turned around.


    Queenie tried topose herself, but she couldn''t quite hide how unsettled she looked.