BookToReadWhen Elodie spotted Joseph standing a short distance away, she didn't show any emotion. She simply nodded politely, maintaining only the bare minimum of courtesy.
Anything beyond that, she absolutely refused to offer.
Joseph could sense her coldness.
By now, he knew better than to mistake Elodie's indifference for skind of hard-to-get act. In the past, he might have thought she was just trying out a new strategy to win over Jarrod's friends. But those days were long gone, and he wasn't that naive anymore.
Elodie truly didn't care about getting close to him.
That realization made Joseph frown, a tangle of unspoken feelings stirring inside him.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Hey, big brother!" Freya's face was still lit up with excitement from her conversation with Elodie, her voice bubbling as she turned to Joseph. "Why are you here so early to find me?" Joseph glanced at Elodie before he answered. "Do you even realize your own condition? Did you bring your inhaler?" Freya's cheeks puffed out guiltily. "Ugh, you're such a nag.....' Elodie stood up. "I'll head back to my room now." Joseph nodded. "Alright." Elodie offered Freya a gentle smile before leaving.
Freya watched her go, reluctant to see her leave.
When she snapped out of it, she realized her brother was staring after Elodie too.
"Hey," Freya nudged him, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Don't tellyou've fallen for Elodie?" Joseph scowled and rapped her lightly on the head, dodging the question. "You've been pestering that woman for ages. Aren't you worried she'll find you annoying?" Freya pouted. "No way! She likes me, okay? You just don't get it—she might seem aloof, but she's really gentle once you know her! And..." Freya's eyes sparkled. "Elodie's amazing! Do you know what she does for work? Is it something with drones?" Joseph fell silent for a moment, thinking.
Was Elodie really that patient with Freya? He'd assumed she'd avoid his sister just because she didn't like him.
But...
"Drones?" Joseph remembered the test flights, and how Elodie had gotten into the field after Sylvie brought her along, and then landed a job at VistaLink Technologies, which specialized in drone research.
Maybe Elodie really did care about Sylvie-enough to becfixated on drones.
He finally replied, "Her boss is in the drone business. She's probably just picked up sbasics from being around it so much." That was his best guess.
After all, being Alexander's assistant would require learning a thing or two, and Elodie was sharp enough to keep up. At the very least, it was more than enough to impress a kid like Freya.
Freya seemed thoughtful, unconvinced.
She was certain Elodie was genuinely talented, not just putting on a show.
Back in her room, Elodie worked for a while longer.
She organized a list of difficult points she needed to discuss with Alexander at work tomorrow.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmBy the tEsmeralda and the others got back, night had already fallen. Esmeralda flopped onto the couch and waved her hand. "I'm done for. My feet are killing me. Don't bother callingfor dinner-I'm skipping tonight." Alexander grinned. "She charged ahead at full speed, burned through all her energy, and now she's paying for it. Always the first to play, but never lasts."
He turned to Elodie, his spirits high. "There's a campsite nearby you idan grill, watch the stars, see the sunrise. Want to go over in a bit?" Elodie suddenly remembered Freya inviting her to dinner.
She hesitated. "Hang on, letcheck." Alexander raised an eyebrow. "You made other plans?" As if on cue, Freya messaged her: "Elodie! When you're ready, cto the campground-Oxygen Bar, Site 3." Elodie smiled, showing the message to Alexander. "Looks like we're headed to the campground." Alexander didn't press further. He rallied the VistaLink Technologies team, and together they headed out.
The hotel had arranged a shuttle, and when they arrived, Elodie led the group to Site 3 as planned.
But when they got there, she realized it wasn't just Freya and Joseph waiting. There was another group already gathered.
At the center, a man and woman sat close together.
Sylvie was speaking softly to Jarrod, who leaned in to listen, his cool, distant features softened by a rare patience.
Elodie thought, So Jarrod has this side to him after all.
She had to admit, it was thanks to Sylvie that she could see Jarrodm wasn't always as cold and indifferent as he'd seemed with her.
"Elodie, are you spying on us?" Octavia had spotted her, and her face twisted in iritation. Why is it that wherever my brother goes, you're right behind him?"
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