She hade to this public event with the sole purpose of clearing the air.
Jarrod Silverstein nced down at Elodie Thorne standing quietly by his side. "Since we''re both here, it''s one thing for you to support this cause on your own. But how about we make a joint donation?"
Elodie met his gaze, her face revealing nothing. "That''s up to you."
"Alright." Only then did Jarrod lift his eyes and address the organizer nearby. His tone was calm andposed, carrying a gentle authority. "This is the first time my wife and I are attending an event together. There have been some unpleasant rumors and spection about her on certain tforms. She isn''t the type to care about gossip, but I know it''s affected her, even if just a little. So today, in both our names, we''d like to jointly donate nine million, nine hundred and ny-nine thousand dors. Consider it our way of thanking everyone for your good wishes for a long and happy marriage."
At the mention of such an astonishing figure, even Elodie couldn''t help but look up at him in surprise.
Patricia Aldridge, standing nearby, tightened her brow and watched Jarrod''s ever-posed face with a conflicted expression.
A ripple of shock passed through the crowd.
These were all people well-versed in society''s ways. How could they not see through Jarrod''s intentions?
Anyone else in his position might have reacted with anger, demanding answers or retribution from all sides. But Jarrod''s approach was far more effective-and clever. Not only did he deliver a powerful message, but he also publicly affirmed their marriage, leaving no room for further spection about Elodie.
Patricia understood this all too well. If Jarrod wanted to shield Elodie, he could have easily silenced every rumor, scrubbed her name from every website, erased every malicious whisper. But he hadn''t. Instead, he''d chosen the most dignified way to protect her reputation.
But... what happened all those years ago? Wasn''t it true? Why was Jarrod taking her side now?
"Mr. Silverstein, that''s quite generous of you..." Patricia was the first to recover, fixing her gaze on him with a smile that didn''t reach her eyes.
Jarrod returned her look, his tone mild. "The best way to deal with things that can''t stand the light of day is to shine a spotlight on them."
Patricia simply smiled, "You''re right. Always thinking ahead, Mr. Silverstein."
She turned to Elodie, who still looked as if none of this concerned her, and smirked. "Elodie, you must be quite happy to be married to a man like Mr. Silverstein."
Elodie''s expression didn''t change. She replied in an even voice, as if responding to a joke, "Miss Aldridge, you know, you really don''t have to set your standards so low when ites to men."
After all, not long ago, Patricia had insinuated that Jarrod cared more about Sylvie Fielding than about her. And now she was talking about happiness? How contradictory.
Patricia''s eyes flicked briefly to Jarrod before she let out a softugh. "True. It''s just... men like Mr. Silverstein are rare, that''s all."
The event organizers were more than a little delighted. In the world of charity gs, Jarrod and Elodie''s donation was by far thergest of the evening.
Most attendees donated a few
noth
hundred thousand or maybe a million or two-a token gesture to boost theirpany''s image. Jarrod''s generosity was on levet entirely. Even for the biggest corporations, that amount was jaw-dropping.
And just like that, the rumors about Elodie-about her marrying her way to the top, about a loveless union-were rendered meaningless. With one graceful move, Jarrod had quashed every whisper, earning goodwill for both of them through charity rather than confrontation.
Just then, Elodie''s phone vibrated.
She finally had a moment to check it.
It was a message from Esmeralda Mercer, a link attached.
"What''s going on? The Silverstein Group just released a statement! Jarrod said he..."
Elodie frowned and tapped to open it.