Patricia let out a coldugh. "Let''s deal with the paperwork first. Eldrion Global losing ground isn''t good news. As for Jarrod and his side..."


    "I''ll handle it," came the calm reply.


    Henrietta''s birthday celebration was one of the most important events in all of Eldermere.


    Nearly every prominent family in town would show up to offer their well-wishes, with guests even traveling in from other states. The entire affair was orchestrated to be grand and impressive-everyone eager for a chance to brush shoulders with the Silverstein family.


    Elodie had gone to stay with her grandmother the night before. She wanted to personally escort her grandparents to the party, making sure they arrived together. She didn''t ask Jarrod to join them as her grandmother had suggested; she preferred to have a private word with her family first, to ensure nothing would upset Henrietta at the party tomorrow. After all, the only people who knew about the impending divorce were her grandparents.


    Rosemary, her grandmother, held no grudge against Mrs. Silverstein. She understood that during Elodie''s years with the Silverstein family, Henrietta had always treated her well. Rosemary wasn''t about to disrespect that bond.


    "Have you and Jarrod figured out what you''re going to do?" Rosemary asked once they were in the car. "I''ve heard quite a few things from old friendstely-a lot of people think you two are inseparable again. Are you nning to work things out?"


    Emile, Elodie''s uncle, nced back from the driver''s seat.


    Elodie''s eyes flickered before she shook her head. "No, there''s no need to worry. I''m an adult. I''ll handle it."


    She said nothing about the child.


    "Your rtionship is your own, Elodie," Emile said gently, offering her a reassuring look. “I just hope whatever you decide, you''ll do it for yourself—not because of outside pressure or what everyone else expects."


    For a moment, Elodie seemed distant, but she soon offered aforting smile. "I know, Uncle."


    Henrietta''s birthday was held at the Royal Opulence Hotel a property owned by the family, closed to the public for the entire day. No matter how many guests arrived, there would be room for all.


    When they arrived, Jarrod was already waiting at the entrance.


    Elodie caught sight of him as he exchanged pleasantries with someone nearby. Tall and striking in a perfectly tailored ck suit, he stood out from the crowd. Even among the debutantes in attendance, more than a few stole nces his way.


    Jarrod seemed to sense her gaze. After finishing his conversation, he walked briskly over.


    He greeted Rosemary and Emile with impable manners. "Grandma, Uncle, let''s head inside."


    Emile had always liked Jarrod. There was a rare sort ofposure and intellect about the young man. Even when things were strained between him and Elodie, he''d never been anything but respectful to her family.


    Emile let out a quiet sigh. Some things just aren''t meant to be.


    Rosemary, protective as ever, simply nodded and let Elodie guide her through the doors. Jarrod followed at a measured pace by Elodie''s side.


    The guest list was extensive; nearly every familiar face in the business world seemed to be present. Elodie spotted Raleigh across the hall, speaking with Henrietta and the elders.


    Among the younger crowd, Maurice Nilsson and his friends soon came over.


    They greeted Rosemary with the utmost respect. "Good evening, Mrs. Thorne."


    Even Joseph Dcroix paused to acknowledge Elodie before turning to her grandparents. "Mrs. Thorne, Mr. Thorne."


    Emile recognized Joseph at once.


    Wasn''t this the same Mr. Dcroix who once seemed interested in Elodie. He almost said something, then nced at Jarrod beside him and thought better of it.


    Joseph''s eyes flickered, but he simply nodded. Jarrod, for his part, remained quietly impassive, giving nothing away.


    Someone else came over to speak with Joseph, and he let the matter drop, turning away after onest nce at Elodie.


    Elodie had no intention of lingering on irrelevant topics. She led Rosemary and Emile to greet Henrietta.


    As soon as Elodie walked away, Maurice sidled up to Jarrod. "So... things still aren''t patched up between you two?"


    Jarrod lowered his gaze. "We''re getting divorced."


    After what happened with the child, he knew for certain-Elodie''s heart had never been his.


    With that, he walked off to mingle elsewhere, leaving Maurice stunned.


    What on earth? How could Jarrod bring himself to let go?


    Elodie ushered her grandparents to greet Henrietta.


    Just then, Esmeralda texted to say she and Alexander had arrived.


    Elodie looked toward the entrance and saw Esmeralda tugging Alexander along as they hurried over.


    Even though Esmeralda still didn''t much care for Jarrod, she knew how important Henrietta''s celebration was. Both her parents would be attending.


    Esmeralda gave Jarrod, who was standing nearby, a dismissive nce before whispering to Elodie, "He''ll never find another wife as poised as you. You''ve never once lost yourposure in public-you''ve always given him dignity."


    Not like Jarrod, who''d paraded Sylvie around without the slightest concern for Elodie''s feelings.


    Elodie said nothing. Today truly would be thest time. After this, their divorce would be made public.


    "I have to agree with that," Alexander added, raising an eyebrow at Esmeralda.