Elodie felt nothing in particr about Ivan''s attitude these days.


    She shook her head calmly. "We''re even now, Ivan. I honestly don''t care about any of that anymore. Whether you knew or misunderstood it doesn''t matter to me."


    Her indifference made Ivan''s expression flicker uncertainly. “How can you not me me? I actually came here to tell you something-Ma''s in serious trouble. The Harcourt Group is under attack from severalpanies, their stock''s tanked to rock bottom. They can''t hold out much longer. I thought you should know this is Jarrod''s doing."


    "He''s pushing Ma to the edge."


    Ivan avoided asking about Elodie''s health; he couldn''t bring himself to go there. All he wanted was for her to need him—if she did, he''d do anything for her.


    "So?" Elodie''s tone was t.


    "Ma is your father. Doesn''t he care what you think at all? Not even a shred of decency?"


    Elodie smiled, slow and cool. "Do you even know what Ma''s done to me? There''s no need to put on a show. Ma had you thrown in jail, Ivan. Don''t you want revenge? Would you let him off the hook just because of me? Would you really care about my rtionship with him then?"


    Ivan''s gaze darkened.


    Because, in that moment, he saw something different in Elodie when she talked about Jarrod. It was painfully clear-so clear it made his whole body ache.


    Of course, Elodie wasn''t wrong.


    Jarrod had made his move, and Ivan had followed right behind. He was involved in the takeover too. He just didn''t want to admit how desperate and petty that made him.


    But Elodie... she was on Jarrod''s side.


    She clearly didn''t want to talk to him any longer.


    She turned to leave, but Ivan panicked and grabbed her hand. "Elodie, leave him. Let''s go back to how things were. If you forgive me, I''ll do anything-anything you want."


    Elodie nced down at his hand, then shook her head. "Ivan, you still don''t get it. You''re the only one stuck in the past. I don''t love you. This isn''t about forgiveness -you still think that if you want me, I''ll just obedientlye back. You''re still so arrogant, so full of yourself."


    "Let me make it simple: you and I will never happen. Not ever."


    Ivan froze.


    Just as Elodie was about to pull away, her phone rang-thendline from their former home.


    She paused, answered, and heard


    Cara''s voice: "Ma''am, could youe back for a bit? Mr. Silverstein isn''t feeling well-he''s really not looking good."


    Suddenly, it made sense why Jarrod hadn''t reached out. He''d been


    Ine


    burning the candle at both ends over her troubles, and now it had finally caught up with him.  fo


    If someone as tough as Jarrod had copsed, he must be seriously ill.


    Her brow furrowed in worry. Without a backward nce at Ivan, she shook free of his grip. "I understand."


    Ivan caught the whole exchange-he was so close, he''d overheard the call.


    Jealousy red, hot and


    uncontroble, making his eyes sting. He tried to keep his voice steady. "Elodie, I grew up with you. How can Jarrod possiblypare to what we have?" ''


    Elodie hesitated, just for a moment, then answered quietly, "We''ve known each other longer. But when ites to real feelings, you can''t match him."


    Yes, Jarrod had caused her pain-but she couldn''t deny the help he''d given her, both openly and behind the scenes, never asking for anything in return.


    She couldn''t deny any of it.


    No matter how messy things had gotten between her and Jarrod, she wouldn''t pretend those things hadn''t happened.


    With that, Elodie left-her decision final.


    Ivan''s breath came hard and fast, his hand pressed to his chest.


    He could only watch as Elodie walked further and further away from him, the distance growing with every step.


    The humiliation and pain twisted inside him, darkening his eyes until they were nearly ck.