Elodie decided to take a bath, hoping the warm water would help her finally rx.


    She drew the bath, undressed, and was just about to step into the tub when she nced down—and noticed something near the faint scar on her lower abdomen: a mark so subtle it would be easy to miss. A kiss mark.


    Her skin was pale and easily marked. When she''d woken up that morning, she''d checked her neck and chest-everything was clear, aside from a few red blotches from the alcohol. Nothing out of the ordinary. For a moment, she''d wondered if everything that happenedst night had just been a dream.


    But now, there it was right next to that scar, a hidden trace she couldn''t ignore. Elodie paused, confusion flickering in her eyes.


    On the other side of town, Jarrod was swamped with work.


    Sylvie had returned home alone.


    Jarrod hadn''t driven her back, but that didn''t bother her at all-she was in a buoyant mood.


    As soon as she walked in, Selma noticed the difference. Selma herself had been gued by legal troubles and the fallout from her recent scandal; the socialites she''d befriended in Eldermere had all shut their doors to her, as if she were carrying some kind of curse. It had left her feeling low for weeks.


    On top of that, Neural Intelligence had just changed hands. Maintaining appearances was getting harder by the day.


    She had nothing to smile about these days.


    But seeing Sylviee home in such high spirits, Selma couldn''t help but ask, "So, what''s the good news?"


    Sylvie gave a little half-smile. "Something like that."


    She''d been put through the wringerst night, but things had turned out well in the end.


    She''d gotten far too drunk, yes, but she wasn''t an inexperienced girl anymore- she knew exactly what had happened to her.


    Jarrod had already left by the time she woke up, but that didn''t matter.


    The oue was what she wanted.


    Selma studied her daughter for a moment, realization dawning in her eyes.


    She finally smiled. "Men are all the same, without exception. Still, I need to remind you: always have a backup n. Men like Jarrod-men from that world-have no shortage of beautiful, outstanding women around them. There are plenty of women out there who are even better than you. The only reason you two are together is luck and


    Sylvie flopped down on the sofa. "I can handle it."


    "Don''t be na?ve about it. You''re talented, sure, but


    rtionships-especially with men like him take more than just talent. You need to use your head, too Sometimes, a little strategy is necessary," Selma cautioned her.


    Sylvie hesitated. If she hadn''t taken the initiative to go to his roomst night, she probably wouldn''t have secured the rtionship at all.


    "Don''t worry about it. Once the tournament is over and thewsuit is settled, things between Jarrod and me will stabilize," Sylvie said. For now, she was focused on thepetition.


    Elodie? She wasn''t a threat.


    She doubted Elodie would even make it to the third round.


    For now, her main concern was the possibility of another dark horse in the race. Caution was key.


    Selma frowned, thinking for a while. "Thepetition is one thing, but you still need to keep an eye on Elodie. Henrietta clearly favors her, and if Elodie refuses to step aside..."


    A shadow crossed her expression. "I can always find a way to deal with her first." Sylvie understood-Selma wasn''t bluffing.


    After all, Selma had spent years abroad and built up a vastwork of contacts. She always had connections to call on.


    She continued, "Mrs. Quinn in Italy owes me a favor. Elodie''s work means she''ll have to travel


    internationally all the time. If sh


    leaves the country, making sure she can''te back wouldn''t be difficult at all..."