They arranged for a private lounge.

The main party slipped away quietly, as if choreographed.

Today, no matter what, everything had to be laid bare.

Esmeralda watched the scene unfold, hastily wiping the corner of her eye before pulling free from Alexander's grasp. "I'm going too."

It was obvious-this was a trial for Elodie.

This time, Alexander didn't try to stop her. Since they'd already decided to make a clean break, there was no point in pretending this was merely "family business behind closed doors." At this point, who did Elodie truly have left on her side? Only he and Esmeralda could still stand up for her.

Jarrod held tightly to Elodie's wrist, silent. She could feel how cold his fingers were.

As they left, Maurice Nilsson and his companions noticed, casting curious glances from afar.

Before they could process what was happening, Ivan Harcourt arrived.

He knew Elodie would be here today and had come to check in. Spotting Maurice, he strode over. "Mr. Nilsson, are Mr. Silverstein and Elodie not here?"

glanced at him and nodded toward the lounge. "They just went that way.

today; he'd hoped to clear up these

the lounge, the tension thickened

voices broke the silence

your grandmother-what's going

about the baby, don't

"I'm not here to blame you. I just need you to be honest with us." For people her age, things like this were monumental-she cared

looked up. "Look, I'd appreciate it if you changed your tone. She's not here to answer your accusations-she's not some vessel at your disposab If all you're going to do is criticize her, then maybe you shouldn't ask

words made

assumed Jarrod, resentful over what had happened with the baby, would at least tacitly allow his mother and the others to turn on Elodie.

and clear. Jarrod had nearly called her out by name. Her face darkened, but what could she do

She could choose not to answer; she didn't owe anyone an explanation just

But...

been holding it in for too long. The physical torment, the relentless pressure —it was only a matter

a

watching her, saw how she clenched her fists, how her posture remained ramrod straight, as if nothing in the

first to notice the flush

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