Elodie immediately sensed Sylvie’s gaze on her-warm, almost amused. That look made her feel exposed, as if a spotlight had landed on her in a darkened theater.

Across from her, Jarrod’s face was as composed and inscrutable as ever, not a single trace of familiarity in his expression. He could have been a stranger.

She could feel the eyes of the room shifting toward them.

Elodie’s lips curved into a faint, sardonic smile. “Well, since Ms. Fielding already has her white knight, I’m curious-what role is Mr. Mercer playing tonight?”

The comment left Grady visibly uncomfortable; his face tightened with embarrassment as he instinctively glanced at Sylvie.

He bristled, annoyed that Elodie was mocking him in public.

“A lapdog, obviously,” Esmeralda interjected, offering no mercy. If Grady wanted to come after Elodie, Esmeralda would always take Elodie’s side-especially when Grady was so obviously picking a fight.

Grady’s face darkened a shade. “Esmeralda, that’s out of line. I just admire Ms. Fielding. That’s all.”

Even Sylvie couldn’t help but frown slightly.

She’d expected Elodie to be flustered and awkward in this crowd. Instead, Elodie had smoothly deflected attention, turning the focus onto Grady and herself.

Sylvie actually thought Grady was a decent guy, but she didn’t appreciate being lumped together with anyone. After all, no one could compare to Jarrod in her eyes.

Elodie realized the atmosphere had grown tense, but she didn’t seem to care. She glanced up without thinking-only to meet Jarrod’s gaze head-on.

He regarded her coolly, his expression unchanged, but was that a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes?

Elodie paused, thrown off. She couldn’t fathom what Jarrod was thinking. She’d just made the whole group uncomfortable, yet he wasn’t upset. In fact, he almost seemed entertained.

She couldn’t read him at all.

Frowning, she tugged Esmeralda away toward another exhibit hall.

Once Elodie left, Sylvie visibly relaxed, smoothing her brow and turning to Naylor, who had been watching the scene with mild interest. “Mr. Whitaker, we meet again.”

Naylor gave a polite smile. “Ms. Fielding, Mr. Silverstein, it’s been some time.” “When is Elias coming back?” Jarrod asked.

Naylor sighed. “Elias Warwick is always off somewhere saving lives. Honestly, I have no idea. I’m left organizing these exhibits in his place.”

“Elias?” Sylvie asked, curiosity piqued. She’d never met him.

Grady jumped in to explain, “He’s the heir to the Warwick family, but now he’s a top doctor overseas-Mr. Whitaker’s cousin.”

Sylvie nodded in sudden understanding. She recalled Joseph mentioning Elias once, saying he was a close friend. She hadn’t realized he was such a big deal.

“Well, since Mr. Whitaker is busy, shall we take a look around?” Jarrod said amiably.

Naylor gestured for them to go ahead.

As the pair walked away, Grady glanced after Elodie and Esmeralda, his expression souring again.

With Elodie’s earlier remarks, how was he supposed to get along with Ms. Fielding now?

“What’s wrong?” Naylor asked quietly.

Grady shook his head, troubled. “Just worried about my sister-she doesn’t pick her friends well. I’m afraid I’ve made a poor impression on you, Mr. Whitaker.”

Naylor thought back to Elodie’s calm, reserved demeanor. In his eyes, she hardly seemed as problematic as Grady suggested.

“Mr. Whitaker, you don’t know the half of it,” Grady scoffed. “Elodie might look quiet and agreeable, but I’ve seen her go after Ms. Fielding before—left her waiting in the dead of winter for over an hour. For all that they’re both women, she only ever makes things difficult. Thankfully, Ms. Fielding is gracious enough not to hold it against her.”

Naylor raised his brows, surprised by the story. He hadn’t expected that.

If anything, it made Sylvie seem rather gracious and composed.

He shrugged, deciding not to comment further.

Meanwhile, Esmeralda was filling Elodie in on Naylor’s background. “Naylor’s grandfather was a cabinet minister before he retired, and his father’s a high- ranking officer at the Defense Department now. But Naylor went into business— he runs a high-end tech export company. With that kind of family backing, it’s no wonder his path’s been so smooth.”