He couldn''t help but feel a little regret about the whole thing-his own son didn''t even have half a chance now.


    "Elodie, Charlie and I have already submitted the rmendation letters ahead of time, and all the necessary procedures still need to be followed. There''s also another round of background checks."


    Elodie understood perfectly well that any department handling this would be extremely strict.


    Background checks were an essential step.


    She nodded. "Understood. I''ll get my part submitted as soon as possible."


    As the conversation turned to the background check, Jarrod tapped thoughtfully on the table. Of course he knew this was part of the process. If things went quickly, they''d have the results by next month.


    The other leaders at the table were here today mostly for Elodie and Jarrod; over tea, the conversation kept circling back to what would happen next.


    Once most of the food had been served and Klein had had a couple sses of wine, he nced at Jarrod. "Mr. Silverstein," he began, "with such an outstanding wife, you''d better cherish her. No wandering eyes."


    Klein, in truth, had always liked Elodie better. He''d seen that woman named


    Sylvie tagging along with Jarrod at industry events, and there''d been rumors. With such a good woman as Elodie, he truly hoped she wouldn''t end up hurt.


    His wordsnded abruptly.


    Elodie paused, her spoon hovering over her bowl of soup.


    Jarrod, unfazed, answered calmly, "I know what you mean, and I should have exined sooner. Ms. Fielding and I have only a professional rtionship— nothing beyond the boundaries of normal workce interaction."


    He knew exactly what Klein was getting at.


    Elodie was surprised to hear him address the topic so directly, without a hint of avoidance. For the first time, he gave a clear exnation, right in front of everyone-no lines crossed, nothing inappropriate.


    It caught herpletely off guard.


    Klein seemed to have an epiphany. "Oh... I see. My memory isn''t what it used to be."


    Jarrod shook his head politely. "You were just looking out for Elodie and me. I appreciate it."


    With that, he turned to Elodie, meeting her gaze with a frankness that was hard to doubt.


    She hesitated for only a moment before understanding-he was just saying what needed to be said. With their status, it was important to keep up appearances. There was no need to take it to heart. ''


    Watts, sitting nearby, chuckled. "Mr. Silverstein, sounds like you''ve got the best of both worlds-first the brilliant Ms. Fielding, and now the much-admired Ms. Thorne."


    He''d taken a jab at Jarrod before, back at Patricia''s exhibition when she''d just returned from abroad. This time, too, there was a hint of provocation, though couched in humor.


    Elodie had no interest in getting drawn into their banter. She lowered her head and picked at a piece of tender pork rib, not noticing when a bit of sauce got on her fingers.


    Jarrod didn''t seem the least bit offended. He simply pulled a napkin and handed it to Elodie, then smiled faintly. "It was my mistake in hiring before but as for those people Mr. Aldridge, I''d prefer you notpare my wife to them."


    Elodie hadn''t expected Jarrod to be even quicker than she was-she''d barely noticed the mess on her hand when the napkin appeared.


    Watts paused for a split second, then smiled. “You''re right, Mr. Silverstein. Those people aren''t worth mentioning."


    Esmeralda, catching Jarrod''s words, couldn''t help but raise her eyebrows. Under the table, she sent Elodie a quick text.


    Elodie nced at her phone.


    —[Jarrod''s really smooth with his words. Men like that sure know how to y the game.]


    She didn''t reply, just used the napkin to carefully wipe her hands.


    Watts seemed to recall something, and looked at Jarrod with a raised eyebrow, his meaning in. "I consider Elodie a friend, and we''ll be working together on some research


    projects. As you know, Mr.


    now


    Silverstein, the work can be


    demanding, and the higher-ups are


    especially strict. Since you''re her


    husband, you probably know her likes and dislikes better than anyone.


    Why not fill me in? I''ll do my best to look out for her."


    The undercurrent of rivalry in his words was subtle, but Jarrod couldn''t miss it—a


    challenge, in as day, wrapped in a smile.