Chapter 28

Joseph kept quiet, but he couldn’t fully disagree with Maurice’s take.

Maurice turned to Jarrod, conviction in his voice. “Look, I honestly think Elodie’s just competing with Sylvie. Sylvie’s into drones, so Elodie pretends to be interested too. Sylvie likes Alexander, so Elodie joins VistaLink Technologies. Bottom line? She just wants your attention!”

He prided himself on understanding women’s little games.

A woman starved for love will act up, make a scene-he’d seen it all before.

Jarrod said nothing. At that moment, his phone rang. It was his grandmother. He stood up and stepped outside to take the call.

“Still awake this late, Grandma?”

She snorted. “And you? Shouldn’t you be with Elodie right now?”

Jarrod pinched the bridge of his nose. “Got caught up with work.”

“Don’t give me that!” she snapped. “You think I don’t hear the rumors? I know exactly who you’ve been spending time with lately. Is this how you think a married man should behave?”

Jarrod looked up, sighing. “Who told you that?”

“So you admit it!” she huffed indignantly. “Jarrod! Elodie’s a wonderful girl. If you let her down, don’t you fear divine retribution?”

He sounded almost amused. “Is it really that serious?”

His dismissive tone only made her angrier. “If you don’t want to give me a heart attack, you’d better bring Elodie home tomorrow. That’s not a request-it’s an order!”

Without waiting for a reply, she hung up.

Jarrod stood for a moment, one hand in his pocket. He opened his messages, stared at Elodie’s chat, then backed out and just called her directly.

It was already eleven o’clock.

Elodie had just drifted off to sleep when the phone rang. Her sleep schedule was always steady rarely did she stay up late. Jarrod knew that about her.

Still, Elodie was unfailingly patient. No matter when he called or what he needed, she never snapped or refused, even if she was annoyed. She’d just swallow her feelings, then go right back to trying to please him.

He never had to worry about her-she never demanded anything from him.

She answered, voice a little groggy, “Is something wrong?”

Jarrod’s tone was steady, almost flat. “Can you come back to Silverstein Mansion with me tomorrow?”

Elodie blinked herself a little more awake.

Back to Silverstein Mansion? Was he finally going to tell his grandmother about the divorce?

She didn’t hesitate. “Sure.”

“Want me to pick you up?”

“No need. I’ll drive myself.”

He hung up immediately, no hesitation-almost as if he’d expected her answer and didn’t want to risk a second more of conversation, just in case she tried to cling.

Elodie didn’t dwell on it.

As long as they could be honest with his grandmother, a lot of headaches would be over.

The next evening, once she’d wrapped up her work, Elodie drove out to Silverstein Mansion.

Jarrod wasn’t home yet. His grandmother greeted her at the door, immediately taking her hands. “You’ve lost weight! Are you feeling alright?”

Elodie squeezed her hands back, offering a gentle smile. “Just been busy. Nothing to worry about.”

But his grandmother still fretted. “I’ll have our family doctor look you over, make sure you’re getting enough nutrition!”

Elodie just smiled softly. “Thank you, but I’ll take care of myself, promise.”

“It’s all Jarrod’s fault! That boy never pays attention, never takes care of you. Look

at this-he’s still not home. Who knows what he’s up to?” Her frustration was clear.

Elodie just smiled, saying nothing.

She knew better. With the person you love, attention comes naturally. No one has to teach you how.

The way Jarrod doted on Sylvie needed no explanation.

He was probably with her right now.

Just then, Jarrod’s mother, Lucinda, came downstairs. She glanced in Elodie’s direction. “You’re here.”

Elodie hesitated, then greeted her. “Hi, Mom.”

She’d wait for Jarrod before breaking the news about the divorce-basic manners, at least.

Lucinda barely looked at her, not even bothering to hide her disdain. “I heard you quit at The Silverstein Group?”

Elodie didn’t hide it. “Yes, I just finished the paperwork.”

Lucinda’s eyes narrowed, her voice cold. “So what now? Planning to do nothing and just let Jarrod support you?”