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?"

give me a heart attack, you'd better bring Elodie home tomorrow. That's not

a reply, she

hand in his pocket. He opened his messages, stared at Elodie's chat, then

was already eleven

schedule was always steady rarely

when he called or what he needed, she never snapped or refused, even if she

had to worry about her-she never demanded

a little

tone was steady, almost flat. "Can you come back to Silverstein Mansion

a little

he finally going to tell

She didn't hesitate. "Sure."

me to pick

need. I'll

immediately, no hesitation-almost as if he'd expected her answer and didn't want to risk a second more of

dwell on

his grandmother,

she'd wrapped up her work, Elodie drove out to

yet. His grandmother greeted her at the door, immediately taking

back, offering a gentle smile. "Just been busy.

"I'll have our family doctor look

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