“Are you okay?”

Jarrod’s brow furrowed as he glanced at Elodie’s back, then slowly lowered his gaze to meet her eyes.

His strong arm was wrapped around her waist, firm yet not overbearing. The warmth of his body seemed to seep right through the fabric, sinking deep beneath her skin. The scent of his cologne enveloped her completely, almost suffocating in its intensity. For a moment, Elodie felt as though she’d been thrown right back into those three years she’d tried so hard to forget.

Around them, the air buzzed with cheers and laughter.

Someone even called out, “Kiss her! Get married!”

Elodie’s lips pressed into a thin line.

In that instant, she steadied herself, planting her palm against Jarrod’s chest and pushing him away with more force than she intended.

The space between them snapped open.

Her expression remained perfectly composed; even though irritation simmered beneath the surface, she wouldn’t let it show-not at Steene’s beautiful wedding.

She clutched the bouquet in one hand, the phone in the other. Glancing at Jarrod with cool indifference, Elodie tossed the bouquet neatly into his arms. “If Mr. Silverstein needs it so badly, he can have it.”

She didn’t bother to look at the expression on Jarrod’s face.

Raising the phone back to her ear, she turned on her heel and walked away from the open lawn to continue her call with Galen.

After all, Galen was still working late, crunching numbers for her. She wanted him to finish up and get some rest.

Their conversation lasted nearly ten minutes.

By the time Elodie returned, the bouquet toss was long over.

Guests milled around the venue-chatting, sipping champagne, posing for pictures with the bride and Steene.

When she reached her table, Alexander looked up. “All sorted?”

Elodie nodded. “They ran into some issues with the test data earlier, but we’ve made a few adjustments.”

Someone came by to remind them to take a photo with the bride.

Elodie and Alexander rose from their seats.

As they made their way over, she spotted Jarrod standing off to the side, one

hand casually in his pocket, deep in conversation with Steene.

Nearby, Sylvie had just finished taking photos with the bride.

As Elodie approached, she saw Sylvie slip away from the bride’s side-holding

the very bouquet Elodie had tossed to Jarrod just moments ago.

The second Sylvie noticed Elodie, her smile faded, her eyes turning cold and distant as she walked off without a word.

Elodie couldn’t be bothered to care. It didn’t surprise her in the least that the bouquet-this symbol of happiness passed from one to another-would end up with Sylvie. If Jarrod wanted to give it to her, so be it.

Elodie took her turn posing with the bride.

As she turned, she noticed several members of the press snapping pictures nearby.

Steene’s status was unique, after all;

in their circles, he was at the very

top. His achievements in research

were one thing, but people were just as

ted in his personal life.

Sylvie, on her way back to find Jarrod, shot a thoughtful glance at the gathered reporters.

Once Jarrod and Steene finished talking, Sylvie approached. “Jarrod, there are quite a few media people here today. I’m sure they’ve taken plenty of photos.”

Jarrod followed her gaze. “Probably.”

Sylvie hesitated, then added, “That scene earlier-it might have been caught on camera. Jarrod, maybe you should talk to them? If they have any shots, ask them to delete them?”

She was referring to the moment Elodie had deliberately thrown herself into Jarrod’s arms.

It had definitely misled a few guests into thinking Elodie was Jarrod’s girlfriend. Some had even shouted for them to “get married.”

If ridiculous photos like that got out, it would be best to nip things in the bud. Besides, Sylvie herself didn’t like it.

Jarrod finally glanced over at the group of photographers.

Elodie chatted with Steene for a while, confirming that he’d be visiting Eldermere

soon.

She’d have the chance to meet with him again there-a prospect that genuinely pleased her.

She stayed for the reception and had dinner at the wedding.