Elodie Thorne didn’t quite follow his reasoning, but she pressed her lips together and said, “Sorry, that’s not the same thing. Besides, that’s not even my place anymore.”
After all these months living apart, why would he want her to come back now?
Her attitude was exactly what Jarrod Silverstein expected. He remained calm. “Alright, I’ll come to your place, then.”
Elodie shot him a cool look, as if to ask, What’s wrong with you?
Jarrod lowered his gaze, absently twisting the wedding band on his finger. “My grandmother stopped by yesterday. She noticed there’s no sign you’ve been living there anymore, and I didn’t know how to explain it to her.”
The gesture drew Elodie’s attention to his ring. Apparently, Jarrod hadn’t taken it off.
But that wasn’t the point. She met his eyes steadily, her expression unyielding. “Mr. Silverstein, I’m here to discuss business. Whether it’s your place or mine, my answer is still no.”
She could be remarkably firm when she wanted to be.
Jarrod knew that about her all too well.
He didn’t push—he’d never been one to force her. “Suit yourself.”
“And the documents?”
“I’ll handle the negotiations.”
Surprisingly… straightforward.
Elodie almost found it unsettling; she’d braced herself for Jarrod to haggle or make things difficult.
“That’s it?” A little thrill sparked inside her.
He allowed himself a faint smile. “Or would you prefer we start all over again?”
Not a chance.
Elodie stood up without hesitation.
“Thank you. I won’t take up any more of your time.” She didn’t linger. Having gotten an unexpectedly clear answer from Jarrod, she gathered her things and left.
There wasn’t the slightest hint of regret.
Jarrod noticed, of course.
He watched the door for a long moment, then looked down at the wedding ring on his hand, and finally stood to call Andrea.
–
Now that Elodie was certain Jarrod would handle the meeting himself, she decided to let it go.
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