It was as if the two pieces had always belonged together.

Could it be that the Thorne family’s ring was truly part of a matched set with this one?

Elodie turned the ring over in her hand, examining it again and again, suspicion flickering in her eyes.

But then her brow furrowed in thought.

Did Jarrod leave this for her?

She was sure the bedside table had been empty when she went to sleep last night.

Was this supposed to be a birthday present?

She wasn’t especially surprised. In previous years, Jarrod had always arranged for someone to prepare a gift for her; he was meticulous about such details, always the gentleman. Even if he was cold and distant, he never forgot the basic courtesies.

He would never pretend not to know what he clearly did.

But now, they were divorced.

Elodie stared at the ring for a few seconds more, then tucked it away.

She’d have to ask Rosemary if these pieces really were a set.

If not, she’d return it. If they were, she wouldn’t just accept it without giving something in return.

She’d be heading back to Eldermere today-her flight was in the afternoon. Yesterday, Charlie had asked her to drop by this morning to discuss her findings.

Alexander had already gone over early.

Elodie gathered her things and headed upstairs.

As Naylor stepped out of his room and rounded the corner, he caught sight of Elodie knocking gently on Charlie’s door before slipping inside.

He frowned, puzzled.

Why was Elodie meeting with the professor?

Was Alexander inside too?

Unable to figure it out, he made his way downstairs.

Down in the dining room, Jarrod and the others were already having breakfast together.

Sylvie looked exhausted, rubbing her temples as she sipped her coffee.

Maurice, seated beside her, asked with concern, “Rough night? Didn’t sleep well?”

Joseph glanced up from his plate.

Sylvie shrugged. “I was reading some of the books Professor recommended. They’re tough to get through. Ended up discussing them with Jarrod for a while. Didn’t get more than two hours of sleep.”

Maurice shot her a knowing look. “So you two were together in the middle of the night?”

Sylvie’s words trailed off abruptly. She laughed and changed the subject. “I just asked the professor’s assistant if I could chat with him about what I’ve learned, but he’s busy at the moment. Turned me down.”

Naylor walked in just in time to catch that last bit.

He sat down and commented, “The professor’s busy? I just saw Elodie go into his room.”

For a moment, everyone’s expressions shifted subtly.

Jarrod glanced up thoughtfully.

Maurice, caught mid-sip, nearly choked on his water. “Elodie? Why is she going to see the professor?”

Naylor shook his head, still bewildered. “No idea. Couldn’t guess why.”

What a coincidence.

Sylvie had wanted to speak with the professor, and suddenly Elodie appeared, seemingly blocking her chance.

Maurice let out a low whistle. “She’s not planning to propose to Mr. Sterling, is she?”

That comment made Joseph frown silently.

Sylvie fell into thoughtful silence as well.

Was Elodie really planning to make Alexander her next move now that she was divorced?

Given the Sterling family’s status-in academia, in research, even in politics— they were at the top of every field, rubbing shoulders with leaders and decision- makers. Their position was truly exceptional.

Elodie was turning out to be even more calculating than Sylvie had imagined. Still, she kept her thoughts to herself.

Naylor shook his head instinctively. “She’d never get in. The Sterlings aren’t just any family. My father always says Mr. Sterling will only marry someone of equal standing—a top-tier talent, a true match.”

Elodie marrying in?

That was wishful thinking.

Joseph absently thumbed his phone, lost in his own thoughts.

He doubted Elodie was really trying to marry into the Sterling family. She’d never

struck him as the type to scheme for love alone.

Sylvie gave Naylor a silent, amused smile.

Exactly.

The Sterlings would never accept a secondhand bride with no real accomplishments.

Just then, Elodie and Alexander walked in together.

Elodie’s expression was unreadable, but Alexander looked dejected, brows drawn low, eyes downcast.

He looked for all the world like a man bringing a woman home, only to be turned away at the door.

It seemed their suspicions might not be too far off.

Elodie didn’t notice the glances in her direction. Instead, she patted Alexander’s shoulder in sympathy. “Cheer up. The professor’s a perfectionist-nobody escapes his criticism. Besides, you’re his son. Of course he expects more from you.”

Alexander could only sigh.

Out in the world, he was considered one of the brightest young stars of his generation—yet here, the old man tore him to shreds. And it didn’t help that Elodie’s brilliance only made the comparison worse.

As they approached the table, Maurice waved them over. “Mr. Sterling, rough morning? Come join us.”

Elodie glanced at them coolly.

Jarrod sat back, legs crossed, watching her silently.

She was about to decline when a commotion erupted near the entrance.

The hotel manager’s respectful voice rang out, “Mrs. Silverstein, Mr. Silverstein is just inside. Right this way, please.”