She was just stating the facts.

Queenie shot Ivan a look of surprise-how was it possible she'd never known Elodie had been married?

Ivan narrowed his eyes, taking in the obvious tension between Elodie and Jarrod. He knew Elodie well enough to see she was not the type to lose her composure- unless someone truly pushed her to the edge.

Just like now.

He leaned in abruptly and took away the coconut water sitting by Elodie's hand. "She doesn't drink coconut water," he said, matter-of-fact.

Jarrod was turned away, listening to Sylvie, and it was impossible to tell if he'd heard.

Elodie glanced at Ivan.

She had to admit-nobody understood her better than he did.

Queenie, feeling a stab of something she couldn't name, teased, "You're so good to your sister."

Ivan pulled her closer, a mischievous smile playing on his lips as he whispered something in her ear. Queenie gave him a playful shove, half-laughing, half- pouting.

Elodie watched the two of them, then turned to look at Jarrod.

showed no

well-if something didn't matter to him, he simply dismissed it from

first to leave. As they did, Jarrod turned to Alexander and said,

refuse a polite request-nodded. "Of

better

to go as well. As Elodie collected her things, her

She froze.

recognized it instantly. She'd made it herself, back when she was a teenager -spending a week on the

it. She remembered how upset and worried he'd been

Ivan noticed her staring at the charm, he patted Queenie's arm. "Wait

a thoughtful look, then nodded. "Don't

really liked

voice even. "I don't

noting the cool distance in

clicked his tongue, then tried, "If you really don't mind, could you make me another one? She's been

didn't care

Ivan's unreasonable request made her

temple. She looked at him and said, "Then just lose that one

Alexander returned, his expression

saw the look on Elodie's face and his frown deepened. "What's

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