Elodie wasn't feeling well.

Her condition had already been unstable, and she'd pushed herself to prepare for this evening's gala-only for Jarrod to show up with Sylvie and throw her completely off balance.

A feverish heat crept through her body. She fumbled in her purse for her

medication and swallowed two pills without thinking, hoping to stifle the pain twisting in her abdomen.

She wasn't sure how much time had passed when she finally noticed Alexander's second call lighting up her phone.

"Alex?"

"Where are you?"

Elodie glanced at her reflection in the mirror; she looked pale, almost sickly. "Outside. I'll be back in a minute."

"There's a discussion panel starting can you join us here?"

"Sure, I'm coming now."

She dabbed on a bit more makeup, making sure she looked presentable before stepping out.

Mr. Patrick, the central figure of tonight's discussion, was already there when Elodie arrived. Jarrod and Sylvie were deep in conversation with him, laughing as if they'd known each other for years.

Elodie made her way to Alexander's side. As soon as there was an opening, Alexander led her over to Mr. Patrick.

directly. Alexander leaned in and

looked at Elodie. "So you're " He quickly reined in his surprise, remembering discretion, and couldn't help but remark, "No wonder Mr. Sterling speaks so highly of Ms.

politely. "It's an honor to

two of them chatted, Jarrod and his group took notice. Sylvie cast several

help but wonder-what could Elodie possibly have to talk about with

with a smirk, glancing at Sylvie. "She doesn't understand policy, knows nothing about tech, and couldn't care less about

was accusing Elodie of imitating her, trying to emulate her easy

voice, she

faint, knowing smile. "If you

and her smile

a long, searching look, then turned to Jarrod. "Don't you think Elodie's been acting... different

along the rim of

come home as

cooking for

called or texted

he doubted this phase would last. Some people

different. She'd always been sensible. In the end, she'd come back as if nothing had ever

matter?" he replied

was taken aback,

pamphlets introducing the various companies' core technology projects-including The

been speaking quietly with Elodie when someone turned to her

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