She didn’t head to the ER until she’d smoked the last of her cigarette.

After parking the car, Sylvie finally turned to Jarrod. “The way Mr. Harcourt was

with her just now… It felt off. Did they have a fight?”

Jarrod kept his eyes on his phone, barely glancing up. “No idea.”

That attitude… Could he be any colder?

But Sylvie just smiled, lips curling in satisfaction. She liked how Jarrod clearly couldn’t care less about Elodie.

“Are you coming upstairs?” Sylvie smiled sweetly, dropping the subject.

Jarrod checked his watch. “I’ve got to get back to the office. I’ll visit your mom another time.”

She didn’t push. As she got out of the car, she said, “Drive safe.”

“Yeah. Go on up.”

After Jarrod left, Sylvie headed upstairs. She found Selma reading and briefly mentioned Jarrod giving her a ride, plus the run-in with Elodie.

Selma turned a page and gave a short laugh. “Figures. Elodie turned out just like her useless mother-no talent, all stupidity. She can’t even hold onto a man. She’s no threat to you, Sylvie. Not even worth a second thought.”

Sylvie paused. “Her mother?”

Selma set her book aside, unimpressed. “A brainless, two-faced woman. Flaunted her money, always pretending to be so noble and pure.”

“She even sponsored me back in school-made sure everyone knew how ‘charitable’ she was, like she was some kind of saint. Wanted everyone’s admiration, all the men’s attention.”

Did she think she was some savior?

Selma frowned, but the irritation soon passed.

But times had changed.

Even Winifred’s daughter couldn’t hold a candle to hers now.

Sylvie didn’t bother to comment.

After all, Elodie had never been worthy of being her rival.

Elodie spent the next few days wrapping up work before sitting down with her grandmother to plan the details for the third anniversary of her mother’s passing.

In previous years, they’d simply visited the grave on the anniversary or around Easter.

This year, they were setting up a memorial table at home, keeping it just for close family.

Alexander and Esmeralda arrived early that morning.

Elodie pulled them aside, careful to avoid Rosemary’s ears. “I haven’t told

Grandma about the divorce yet, so please don’t mention it. I’ll talk to her myself after today.”

Alexander understood her hesitation and gave her shoulder a reassuring

squeeze. “If Grandma’s in the dark, is Jarrod coming?”

Now that the divorce was final, Jarrod had no obligation to show up. But since Elodie hadn’t told the family yet, it was a tricky situation.

“I don’t know,” Elodie admitted quietly.

She didn’t want it this way, but Jarrod was the one who’d cheated. He should be the one to clean up the mess.

When Rosemary came out, she glanced at the door. “Jarrod’s not here yet?”

Elodie lowered her eyes. “Grandma, let’s start on the pastries.”

She steered the conversation away.

They still had to prepare offerings for the memorial. Elodie’s mother had always

loved her grandmother’s lemon bars, so they planned to make a batch.

Rosemary sensed something was off, but kept the peace. “Alright, let’s get started.”

Esmeralda, ever the peacemaker, jumped in quickly. “Let me help, Grandma! I’m pretty handy in the kitchen, too.”

Once Esmeralda had whisked Rosemary away, Elodie rubbed her temples, exhausted.

Alexander asked, “Want me to call Jarrod?”

Elodie shook her head, having made up her mind. “No. If he doesn’t show, I’ll tell Grandma and the others the truth about the divorce after the memorial. It’s better to clear the air.”

Alexander agreed.

Later, Elodie got a call from Ivan, asking her to come out front and meet him.

She was surprised he’d actually come.

But when she stepped outside, her expression changed in an instant.