It was a call from one of the department heads at the main base.


    "Elodie, there''s an urgent work trip that just came up. It''s critical, and they want our best senior engineer to lead the team. You''d need to leave tomorrow. Can you do it?"


    Elodie brushed away the hand that had been toying with her earlobe. Jarrod seemed obsessed with every part of her, and when she pushed him off, he simply tightened his arm around her neck, pulling her closer. "A work trip? Where to? What exactly is the assignment?"


    She had no choice but to nudge his shoulder with her elbow.


    "To Solcrest. We have some strategic cooperation with them, but there are a lot of technical hurdles on their end. The higher-ups want you to go over as our representative, work through some of the technical issues, and provide in-depth training for their engineers."


    Elodie immediately understood the country in question had always had close ties with theirs. The rtionship was longstanding, and now, with her clearance high enough, she was aware of just how important these connections were. Diplomacy mattered-a lot.


    If this assignment hade down from above, it was bound to be vital to thepany''srger strategy.


    "How long?" Elodie asked, already suspecting this wouldn''t be a quick trip. "Two months."


    Jarrod was close enough to hear every word. His dark eyes lifted, catching the implication.


    Elodie hesitated. "I have to leave tomorrow?"


    "Yes, it''s urgent. Other teams will be going too, along with an elite pilot squad. VistaLink Technologies is involved-future coboration depends on this. They''ll send someone to assist you as well."


    Elodie pressed her lips together, mulling it over. She knew the higher-ups had already set things in motion. There was only one answer. "Alright. I''ll start getting ready."


    "Thanks, Elodie. Things are a bit chaotic over there, but don''t worry, your safety will be a top priority."


    "It''s my job."


    She ended the call.


    Jarrod watched her. "Business trip?"


    She knew all too well-once she was assigned to a top-level team, she''d have to take charge, like it or not.


    What she really wanted was to fly straight to New York to see her son. But now, duty called-and it was no small task.


    "I leave tomorrow. Solcrest."


    Jarrod frowned. "That ce has been unstabletely. Is this mission ssified?" Elodie thought for a moment. "I think so. No one else will know. I need to pack." Packing for two months was no small feat.


    She finished speaking and noticed Jarrod staying quiet, still holding her close.


    She looked up at him, and he met her gaze with azy grin. "Your boss is really something."


    "...What?"


    His fingers traced small circles at her lower back. "Ruining my family time—are they doing this on purpose?"


    Elodie didn''t have time to y along. She pried his hand off and stepped away. "have to leave urgently.


    call you


    as soon as Ind. Once I''m


    settled, I''ll go see our son as quickly as can."


    She couldn''t refuse a direct order from above. But she couldn''t let go of her son, either.


    vet


    She''d just have to carve out a moment, somehow. No one could be more torn up than she was right now knowing her child was ut there, but having to wait.


    She nced at the clock. "I have to pack. Take care of yourself."


    Jarrod didn''t move from his seat.


    Elodie hurried into the guest room to grab her things-charger,ptop, the


    esso she''d have to s ung by


    her apartment to get the rest.


    Most of her things were there.


    She unplugged her charger just as the guest room door swung open.


    She turned to see Jarrod had followed her.


    Stuffing the charger into her bag, she shot him a look. "Why are you up here?"