Jarrod was free to take Sylvie out on a date, to get some air and clear his head if he wanted. That was his business.


    Watts had just arrived from Eldrion Global when he happened to catch sight of Elodie leaving Jarrod''s side.


    He slowed his pace, his gaze thoughtful as he watched Jarrod and Sylvie standing together. Sylvie was smiling at Jarrod, chatting about a painting they were both looking at.


    It was only in the past couple of days that Watts had learned of thetest gossip making waves in Eldermere rumors about Jarrod and Elodie were spreading like wildfire.


    Yet here Jarrod was, still bringing Sylvie out in public with him as if nothing had changed. Watts understood all too well what that meant for Elodie''s situation.


    He looked across at them, and for once his usual air of indifference faded, reced by a hint of wry amusement in his eyes.


    As Watts entered the gallery, Maurice spotted him and greeted him warmly. "Mr. Aldridge."


    Sylvie noticed Watts too, and for some reason, Grady came to mind. Perhaps men really did think alike in certain ways.


    Watts paused briefly, then said to them, "I have something to take care of. We''ll talkter." He didn''t linger or make small talk.


    Maurice didn''t seem to mind. After all, Watts was here on behalf of Eldrion Global, helping the Barnes family handle some matters.


    Meanwhile, Elodie was bing more absorbed in the exhibition, moving from painting to painting. Esmeralda, who loved photography, trailed after her, snapping candid shots as Elodie immersed herself in the art.


    When Watts approached, Esmeralda looked genuinely surprised, watching as he made his way purposefully toward Elodie.


    "You seem pretty engrossed in these paintings. Do they interest you?" Watts stood behind her, hands in his pockets, tilting his head as he spoke.


    Elodie snapped out of her reverie. "I suppose so," she replied. Art had always been a part of her upbringing.


    Watts studied her for a moment. Instead of bringing up Jarrod right away, he simply said, “There''s another floor upstairs with apletely different style. Want to take a look?"


    Elodie had nned on exploring upstairs anyway, so she nodded. "Sure."


    Esmeralda, sensing the moment, hung back, though she couldn''t resist taking a photo of their silhouettes together and sending it straight to Alexander.


    Upstairs, the paintings took on a more abstract feel-definitely a change of pace. The artist was still Aurelia, which only piqued Elodie''s curiosity further.


    Watts watched her as she lost


    herself in the artwork, choosing not to disturb her. He guided her through several sections of the exhibit before finally speaking up, his tone thoughtful.


    "Would you mind talking for a bit?"


    Elodie turned to face him. "Of course. Go ahead."


    Watts came to a stop, looking straight into her eyes, his voice gentle. "Thest time you turned me down, was it because of all this? Because of your marriage to Mr. Silverstein?"


    Elodie considered his words, not shying away from the truth. "Honestly, whether he exists or not, I''m just not interested in dating anyone right now."


    Her reply left little room for misunderstanding.


    Watts, however, didn''t seem fazed by her bluntness. He replied seriously, Whether you''re married or divorced doesn''t matter to me. I care about you, and I just hope you find someone who truly deserves


    you whether it''s in love or


    marriage."


    He paused, gaze steady. "And clearly... Mr. Silverstein isn''t that person."


    Elodie was surprised by his frankness.


    Just as she was about to respond, she caught sight of Jarrod standing not far away. She hadn''t noticed him arrive, but there he was, phone pressed to his ear. Even so, his cold gaze was fixed directly on her.