EuropeNovelChapter 497 "Is he out of his mind?" Esmeralda looked absolutely furious, and Elodie gently squeezed her hand. "Let's talk to him about it later, okay?" Esmeralda clenched her jaw, so incensed that if things really were as bad as they sounded, she was ready to rid the Mercer family of its blight herself.
When Maurice and Joseph Delacroix arrived, their eyes quickly found Elodie across the room.
Maurice blinked in surprise. "What's Elodie doing here? Isn't this a little awkward for her? Did she cjust to make things difficult for Sylvie?" After all, this was Sylvie's big event. For Elodie to show up unannounced seemed downright rude.
Sylvie stood next to Jarrod, her expression unreadable as she replied in a cool voice, "It doesn't matter. If she wants to be here, let her." She didn't mention that the Thorne family had actually been sent an invitation.
But to everyone else listening, it sounded like Sylvie was confirming that Elodie had shown up uninvited.
Joseph, for his part, kept his gaze on Elodie a moment longer.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtRumors about Elodie and her tat Verdant University had circulated widely in their circles.
He felt a mix of shock-and a realization that if anyone could pull this off, it would be Elodie. He'd underestimated her back then, hadn't realized she was capable of something so... rare.
Jarrod kept silent, his attention fixed on the team making final arrangements inside the venue. He didn't even spare a glance in Elodie's direction.
Sylvie noticed.
She allowed herself a brief, silent smile. Then she turned to Jarrod and said, "Jarrod, there'll be an interview later in the program. Would you mind joining me? My mom's also hosting a roundtable to talk about the creative process." Jarrod looked down at her, his calm gray eyes softening in a way that made her heart flutter. "Of course. I don't mind at all." No matter how long she'd known Jarrod, moments like this still sent her pulse racing.
He was even willing to stand beside her for a public interview-no one could compare to the support Jarrod gave her. Anyone with eyes could see how much he was on her side tonight.
Elodie, meanwhile, paid no attention to any of this.
While Esmeralda stepped away to call Alexander, Elodie glanced at her watch, counting down the minutes until everything would start.
She had a few paintings in her car; once everyone arrived, she'd be ready to bring them in.
ет The museum grounds were expansive, with a wide lawn outside set up with elegant decorations As she walked, she let her mind wander, planning out her next steps.
"Ms. Thorne?" A familiar voice called from behind.
Elodie turned.
It was Joseph.
His tone I in a thin line. "It's bee While as reserved as usual, his heard sthings about to you lately." Content but "You... haven't been affected, have you?" With Jarrod and Sylvie so publicly together, people were bound to gossip about Elodie.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmShe didn't reply, only looked at him calmly. "Is there something you wanted to say, Mr. Delacroix?" Joseph's hand curled into a fist at his side.
He did have something to say.
He'd cto realize that emotions weren't always a matter of logic or reason.
There'd been a flood of news about Elodie lately-news that was om surprising, even a little awe-inspiring. He found himself thinking about her, again and again. He just couldn't forget Elodie. Couldn't quite let her go.
He almost asked-if it hadn't been Jarrod, would she have ever...
"Mr. Delacroix, if there's nothing else, I'll be going now." Elodie had nom patience left for Joseph's inner En.
turmoil.
She owed him nothing, and after tonight, she had no intention of m maintaining even the pretense of acquaintance. She turned to leave.
Joseph's eyes darkened, and before he could stop himself, he blurted out, "Are you thinking about divorce?"
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