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,

were the first to leave. As they did, Jarrod turned to Alexander and said, "Mr. Sterling, would you mind

a

better

go as well. As Elodie collected her things, her gaze landed on the

She froze.

back when she was a teenager -spending a week on the little project,

upset and worried he'd been to see her hands

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

him a thoughtful look, then

was gone, Ivan turned to Elodie. "She really liked it, so

blinked, her voice

studied her, noting the cool distance in her

really don't mind, could you make me another one?

truly didn't

request made her frown

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

returned, his expression

Elodie's face and his frown deepened.

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