Sylvie had changed, if only a little.

Elodie could sense it-subtle, yet unmistakable.

Was it her true nature finally showing through, or just the result of too many hard lessons? Elodie couldn’t say for sure.

It made sense, though. Sylvie had always been someone for whom things came easily. But when it came to Patricia, she never seemed to come out ahead. It was only natural she’d be a little frustrated.

Not that Elodie cared to get involved.

After checking progress at the factory, she realized she should probably pick out a birthday gift for Patricia.

Alexander had no intention of going along, so Elodie reached out to Esmeralda.

Esmeralda never passed up a party. She agreed instantly.

Patricia’s birthday bash was the talk of the town-a whole cruise ship rented out for the occasion. When Elodie and Esmeralda arrived, the place was buzzing. People streamed aboard, many of them familiar faces to Esmeralda, who couldn’t go ten steps without being pulled into a conversation.

Elodie, on the other hand, hardly knew anyone.

Her social circle had shrunk over the years. Aside from work acquaintances, her close friends really only included Esmeralda and Alexander.

Everyone else? That was all Jarrod.

She and Esmeralda made their way up to the fifth deck.

Patricia’s crowd was eclectic-socialites, business leaders, creative types from every field.

Even Grady was here, chatting with someone across the room.

Esmeralda looked genuinely surprised. “How on earth did he get an invite?” she muttered. “He’s not even in the same orbit.”

Patricia spotted them before Elodie could reply. She set down her wine and made her way over. “There you are! I was waiting for you two. It’s a full house tonight-l hope you don’t mind.”

Elodie smiled and shook her head. “Not at all. The more the merrier.”

Esmeralda handed over her gift, then drifted toward the bar, expertly snagging a cocktail for herself and grabbing a glass of lychee juice for Elodie.

“I’ve got a wide network,” Patricia said, leaning in and pointing out a few people across the room. “There are some great contacts here in your field. I’ll introduce you later

Elodie glanced around. These were heavy hitters. No wonder this party was such a big deal.

“Thanks. But tonight’s about you-birthday girl gets to have all the fun.” Elodie clinked her glass against Patricia’s, her tone warm.

Patricia tilted her head, grinning. “Connections are meant to be used, not wasted, don’t you think?”

She’d barely finished speaking when a voice from the other side of the lounge drew everyone’s attention.

“Mr. Silverstein! You made it.”

Heads turned-clearly the guest of honor had arrived.

Elodie paused, her glass halfway to her lips. She glanced up and saw Jarrod enter, Sylvie at his side.

Patricia’s eyes narrowed in interest as she turned to see what the commotion was about. Once she

recognized Jarrod, her eyebrownet

arched with obvious amusement. “Mr. Silverstein, I’m glad you@ould make it. But what’s the story with your companion?”

She made no effort to hide her disapproval.

Sylvie pressed her lips together, choosing not to respond.

Jarrod’s gaze flickered briefly to Elodie-who hadn’t said a word-before he offered, “Happy birthday, Miss Aldridge.”

Then, in his usual calm tone, he added, “I hear there’s been some

misunderstanding between Miss Aldridge and Sylvie. Since we’re all here,

perhaps it’s time to clear the air?”

There it was-he’d set the stage himself.

The birthday wishes had clearly taken a backseat to his real agenda.

Esmeralda frowned and shot Elodie a glance. Elodie set her juice down, resolving

to watch from the sidelines, a neutral observer.

fet

Sylvie took a moment to study Elodie, searching for any sign of tension between her and Patricia. But Elodie’s expression was calm betraying nothing. She knew how to handle herself in a crowd. Sensing the opportunity, Sylvie stepped forward, picked up a glass of wine from the table, and, with a graceful nod, addressed Patricia.

“If I’ve offended you before, Miss Aldridge, I hope you’ll accept my apology.”

Without hesitation, she downed the wine in one swift motion.