Chapter 22
Elodie and Alexander stood together, deep in conversation. Whatever they were discussing, it was impossible to miss the matching scarves wrapped around their necks–clearly a couple’s set!
Really, what sort of “just friends” wear matching scarves like thatti
From across the room Jamad glanced up and watched them!
Elodie reached out and patted Alexander’s back, the gesture easy and familiar their closeness hard to ignore
Maurice let out a cold laugh. 1 really underestimated her. She may not have any real skills, but she’s certainly an expert when it comes to men
Even Joseph frowned, casting Elodie another curious look
He remembered the way she’d looked at him that day–cold and full of contempt. Compared to the warmth in her eyes when she looked at Alexander, it was obvious she felt very differently about the two men
“If they’re not involved, then how does she even know Alexander? Maurice muttered, still unable to figure it out!!
Alexander’s company, VistaLink Technologies, had only just stabilized its footing, but his background was solid and his abilities ranked him at the very top of the field. Someone like Elodie shouldn’t even have the chance to cress paths with him, let alone get close.!!
Jamrod?” Maurice tumed to him.
Jarrod glanced at his watch, his tone indifferent “ll take Sylvie homa
Sylvie lost in thought, lingered a moment 2
demod had brought her here tonight to meet the industry’s elite, and just by chance, Elodie had shown up–looking intimately connected to Alexander, no less–and all df it just happened to unfold right in front of them
Too many coincidences meant it couldn’t possibly be a coincidence anymore!
“No wonder Mr. Steding didn’t meet with me today,” she said quietly
Maurice and Joseph turned toward her. “What do you mean?
Sylvie spoke calmly, “If Elodie knows Mr. Sterling, then it all makes sense?!
“Elodie’s holding a grudge?” Maurice immediately jumped to the implication Sylvie left unsaid. “She’s whispered something in Alexander’s ear because she can’t let go of what happened with you??
“Alexander doesn’t strike me as the type to let a pretty face cloud his judgment, Joseph said, genuinely surprised:2
Sylvie shook her head. “Doesn’t matter. My abilities will speak for themselves.”
Maurice grinned, giving her a thumbs–up “That’s our Sylvie–nothing if not poised.”
Jarrod stayed silent, his gaze drifting back to Elodie and Alexander.”
Meanwhile, Elodie could feel a sharp gaze fixed on her, but she didn’t turn around. She knew it was Jard, but she no longer cared
She dropped Alexander off at his apartment. He’d had a bit to drink and, still wrapped in his scarf, waved her off before heading upstairs. Elodie watched him go. said nothing and drove herself home.
Life felt light and easy these days. Free, even.
It was hall past nine when Jarrod returned to the house he and Elodie shared
The housekeeper was still on duty and humed over to take his coat. “Sir, would you like me to run you a bath?”
He hesitated. Elodie used to take care of these things.
“Yes,” he said curtly
The housekeeper scuted upstairs to prepare the bath. Jarod followed, loosening his tie as he climbed the steps, fingers working at the knot!
The bedroom was dimly lit, only the lamp beside the bed casting a warm glow. He hadn’t been home in days
The housekeeper exited the bathroom just as he entered the room.
Jantod nanowed his eyes. “Hus Mrs. Hargrove come home tonight?”
The houseksper paused, unsure. “Mrs Hargrove?“..
She hasn’t been home these past few days, she finally admitted
Jarrod’s brow furrowed as he tossed his tie aude and glanced at Elodie’s vanity. “Since when??
As he spoke, he pulled out his phone, intending to text Elodie
“About last Tuesday, I think “11
He did the math. That was the day after Sylvie’s birthday
From that evening on Elodie had been acting “special“-like a stranger, really
stood there, lost in thought for a while, lips curling into an unreadable hall smile
In the end, he closed the chat with Elodie, thinking better of sending a message
He headed into the bathroom.
The tub was filled with plain hot water in the past, there would have been bath oils, something soothing for the nerves. Tonight, nothing Suddenly, he lost all desire for a bath
Just then, his phone buzzed on the counter
He glanced at the screen, then tumed and strode from the room
The housekeeper called after him, “Sir, a
are you
going out?”
Jarrod typed out a reply, not looking up. “You can all go home. I’ll be staying elsewhere tonight”
