Watts''spleteck of restraint genuinely caught Elodie off guard for a moment.


    He wasn''t even trying to keep his voice down, so everyone nearby could clearly overhear their conversation.


    Even Klein couldn''t help ncing over. After a pause, he finally remarked, "Watts, you and Elodie seem pretty close."


    He didn''t really follow the details of these younger people''s business, but Watts''s tone definitely sounded familiar—almost intimate.


    Jarrod watched Elodie, her expression as calm andposed as ever. Turning his head slightly, he responded to Klein in an unhurried tone, “Eldrion Global and VistaLink Technologies work together quite a bit.”


    Realization dawned on Klein''s face.


    Watts shot Jarrod a look, then let out a btedugh. "Yeah, Eldrion Global and VistaLink Technologies do have a lot of dealings with each other. We''re about the same age, so it''s only natural we got to know each other."


    Elodie herself had no idea why Watts called her "sis," but, given how awkward things were today, she chose to sit with Watts. People would naturally wonder why she and Jarrod seemed so distant as a married couple—especially since there was a conveniently empty seat beside him.


    But after what happenedst night, she really had no interest in keeping up appearances by sitting next to Jarrod.


    "Oh, look at that sunset! Isn''t that sea of clouds just gorgeous? Mr. Aldridge really knows how to pick a spot. Come on, let''s go take a look," Esmeralda chirped, looping her arm through Elodie''s and steering her in the direction Watts had indicated.


    She clearly knew what was on Elodie''s mind and decided to defuse the tension for her, ying the part of the fun-loving, easygoing friend. That way, no one would overanalyze Elodie''s actions.


    In Esmeralda''s view, the divorce was already in motion-there was no reason to make Elodie feel ufortable by forcing her to sit next to Jarrod.


    Elodie didn''t protest this time and simply went along with it, settling into the seat on Klein''s right.


    Once Esmeralda had made sure Elodie was seated, she flitted over to the floor- to-ceiling windows to take in the view.


    When Watts walked over, the seat to Elodie''s right was still empty. He nced at her and pointed to the spot, silently asking for permission.


    Elodie gave a small nod and said nothing more.


    Lily also found herself a seat.


    On Klein''s other side, Jarrod


    remained in a rxed posture, one hand idly tracing the rim of his warm mug. He gave no sign of displeasure—just an easygoing calm.


    Klein, sandwiched between the estranged couple, had enough social acumen to sense the awkwardness. Not one for needless formalities, he turned to Jarrod and said, "Mr. Silverstein, how about we switch seats? It''s a bit much, sitting right between you two."


    Elodie was honestly surprised by Klein''s straightforwardness. It wasn''t often you saw a leader thisid-back.


    Jarrod''s lips curved in a faint smile. "There''s really no need, sir."


    Klein justughed and shook his head. "I may be getting old, but I''m not blind. No sense in me forcing myself into the middle."


    With that, Jarrod stood up. "Thank you, Mr. Whitaker."


    The two men swapped seats, and suddenly, Jarrod was now sitting to Elodie''s


    left.


    In an instant, Elodie found herself sandwiched between two men.


    She could only think: How did I manage tond myself in an even more awkward spot?


    Jarrod nced at her, his eyes unreadable.


    Elodie, for her part, didn''t give him so much as a nce.


    Watts looked over at Jarrod and said, "Mr. Silverstein, I didn''t get a chance to greet you earlier-I hope you don''t mind?"


    Jarrod offered a faint smile, then picked up the teapot and poured a cup of hot tea


    for Elodie, sliding it over to her. "It''s nothing."


    Klein took the opportunity to introduce Elodie to two senior officials from the Space Agency, people she''d be working with regrly going forward.


    These were people most folks would never have the chance to meet. Elodie had expected there might be some surprises today, so she managed to stayposed.


    Klein had heard rumors about Elodie and Jarrodtely. From what Charlie Sterling said, they were on the brink of divorce, yet more recently, had picked up on some


    contradictory news-rumor ve!!


    reconciliation, even. Judging from how things looked now, their rtionship actually seemed stable; there was no sign they were calling it quits.


    After all, what kind of man would go out of his way to help his ex-wife like that?