She couldn''t worry about the details now-whatever came up, Jarrod would handle it.<fn8774> Th?s chapter is updated by Find~Novel</fn8774>


    By the time Elodie finished her makeup and slipped into her wedding dress, it was already half past ten.


    She patted her cheeks, trying to summon some energy.


    Jarrod had changed too, now dressed in his tailored suit. He stood tall and striking —she rarely saw anyone pull off a suit quite like he did. The proportions had to be just right; a fraction off either way and the effect would be lost.


    Jarrod strolled over, giving her a sidelong nce. "Ms. Thorne, try not to look so hungry. Have some dignity."


    Elodie didn''t bother feeling embarrassed.


    After all these years of marriage, nothing surprised her anymore.


    But she had to admit, she''d never stopped appreciating the way he looked.


    Suddenly realizing they were pressed for time, she grabbed his arm and tugged him toward the door. "You look awfully rxed for someone who''s about to bete."


    Jarrod caught her hand and steered her toward his car. "We''re taking this one."


    He led her to his Rolls-Royce. Elodie nced at him, puzzled. “Aren''t we supposed to take the wedding car?"


    He raised an eyebrow, smirking. "No."


    She didn''t get it, but she was too tired to argue. With a yawn, she leaned back


    and closed her eyes, determined to steal a few moments of rest.


    Lately, she felt like a machine running on fumes.


    The thought of the long, exhausting day ahead made her cherish every second of quiet she could get.


    A sudden increase inst-minute work had left herpletely drained.


    Jarrod noticed how weary she looked and joked, "We could always call the whole thing off."


    Elodie rolled her eyes. "After going through all this trouble? Your grandmother would have your head."


    A faint smile flickered in Jarrod''s eyes, but he didn''t seem bothered. "The result would be the same. The process doesn''t matter."


    She had to admit, there was some truth to that.


    Still, this wedding was a grand affair. She knew for a fact the country''s top media outlets had been invited.


    People from powerful families had flown in from all over.


    The wedding of the Silverstein Group''s CEO, plus their daughter''s christening- everyone knew about it. The whole city was watching. There was no way to back out now.


    Jarrod squeezed her hand, hooking his pinky around hers as his gaze drifted to the wedding band on her


    oncher


    finger. There''s something important I need you to answer."


    Elodie''s eyes snapped open to meet his, catching the hint of a smile in his gaze.


    The wedding was set in Eldermere''s most famous mountain resort.


    The location was perfect, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and pure mountain air.


    A fresh snowfall from two days ago nketed everything in dazzling white.


    Cars wound their way up the mountainside; the guests had nearly all arrived.


    Inside, the matriarch and her family beamed as they greeted everyone at the entrance.


    Even Lucinda, who rarely smiled, was making polite small talk with the guests. Esmeralda had arrived early and ran right into Lily Lockwood.


    The two sized each other up, falling silent for a moment—then, as if on cue, they both bolted in the same direction.


    Without a word, they rushed to where Nadia''s cradle stood, each grabbing one side.


    "I got here first-I get to hold her first!" Esmeralda insisted, not budging an inch.


    One look at Lily and she knew exactly what the girl was thinking. As expected, they were already at odds.


    l.ne


    Lily pouted, "Do you even know what you''re doing? I looked after my


    baby all summer. I have way experience than you.


    ???


    Octavia, standing guard by the cradle, frowned at them. "Did you two disinfect your hands? Did you wash up? You can''t touch her with germs


    That shut them both down.


    Esmeralda had to admit, Octavia had a point.


    Babies needed extra care.


    Lily immediately fished out a packet of sanitizing wipes from her purse and wiped her hands with a grin. "See? I came prepared."


    Esmeralda red.


    She''d known from the start that Lily would be trouble-did she always have to be one step ahead?


    Feeling frustrated at being outmaneuvered, Esmeralda nced at the time, ready to text Elodie and ask when she''d arrive.


    Before she could say anything, someone burst in from outside, looking absolutely panicked.