Jarrod lifted his gaze, his eyes fixing on Elodie.

She seemed composed, her makeup subtle and her camel-colored coat cinched at the waist, accentuating her graceful silhouette. She stood there quietly, cool and collected, her expression calm and unruffled.

Elodie noticed Jarrod watching her, but she didn’t meet his eyes.

Instead, she glanced down to check the time on her phone, making sure she wasn’t late.

It was Alexander who broke the silence, raising an eyebrow and chuckling. “Small world, Mr. Silverstein. Grabbing dinner?”

Sylvie, only now registering the voices, straightened her clothes and looked up. The moment she saw Elodie, the warmth in her delicate features iced over.

If it weren’t for the fact that she didn’t want to delay Jarrod’s divorce any longer, she would’ve made sure Elodie spent a few days cooling her heels in a holding cell.

Still, she didn’t move her hand from the crook of Jarrod’s arm.

Jarrod nodded politely and offered, “We’re meeting some friends for dinner. Mr. Sterling, if you don’t mind joining us, you’re more than welcome.”

He didn’t seem even slightly bothered that Alexander had Elodie with him.

Sylvie glanced up at Jarrod, her brow furrowing. Then she understood he was just being polite to Alexander. After finalizing his divorce from Elodie, there was no way he genuinely wanted to dine with his ex-wife. That would be far too awkward.

Alexander smiled amiably, playing along. “Ah, not tonight, I’m afraid. I have another engagement. But next time-definitely.”

Jarrod wasn’t surprised. He nodded graciously. “Of course. We won’t keep you, then.”

The entire exchange went by without Jarrod even acknowledging Elodie.

She didn’t care. She continued inside with Alexander.

Just then, at the staircase, Maurice and Joseph appeared.

Elodie crossed paths with them.

Maurice arched a brow. He’d expected Elodie to show up and make her presence felt. He was just about to greet her when Elodie glanced away indifferently and walked right past, not sparing him a second look.

Maurice was taken aback. He watched as Elodie and Alexander entered a private dining room, one after the other. As the door swung open and closed, he caught a glimpse of the people inside.

His brows shot together, his expression growing serious.

Was that Dr. Charles?

Dr. Charles himself?

Joseph pressed his lips together, watching as Elodie disappeared down the hall.

At the last gathering, he’d learned that Elodie and Jarrod had finalized their

divorce. He’d wondered if she was utterly devastated by it.

Yet, just now, she hadn’t looked the least bit upset.

“Maurice, what are you staring at?” Sylvie noticed Maurice’s fixed stare at the private room and came over to ask.

Maurice frowned. “I just saw Dr. Charles in there.”

Sylvie’s face tightened. “Where?”

Maurice pointed at the room Elodie had just entered, still looking incredulous. “They’re dining together? I’m sure it was just the three of them-Elodie actually sitting down to dinner with Dr. Charles?”

Sylvie instinctively shook her head. “Impossible. With Dr. Charles’s stature, even senior officials need to check if he’s available—and in the mood. There’s no way he’d waste his time on someone like Elodie.”

She glanced toward the private room.

The door hadn’t closed all the way.

She saw Elodie approach Dr. Charles, bow slightly, and present a carefully wrapped gift.

Sylvie’s lips curled in a sneer.

So, she was just there to curry favor.

“I just can’t figure it out,” Maurice muttered, walking over to Jarrod. “Why would

Mr. Sterling bring Elodie to meet Dr. Charles? There must be something going

on.”

Jarrod didn’t look the least bit surprised. He turned away, heading for their own private room. “Why don’t you go ask?”

Maurice clicked his tongue. “It’s their private dinner. If I barged in, Dr. Charles would hate it. Otherwise, I’d have Sylvie go over and say hello.”

Sylvie pressed her lips together.

Her previous attempt to meet Dr. Charles hadn’t gone well. He hadn’t shown the slightest interest, let alone offered to read her paper.

After that, it had only gotten harder to arrange another meeting.