How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

"No need. I'm leaving," Elodie said, her patience worn thin. She had no interest in sticking around and being a third wheel.

But as she turned to go, a warm hand closed firmly around her wrist. Jarrod's gaze was cool, almost indifferent. "You stay. I'll switch rooms."

Elodie frowned, about to wrench free, but Jarrod released her first, deliberately widening the distance between them. "If you leave now, it'll be hard to explain things to my grandmother."

So that's what this was about. Elodie stared at him, incredulous. "You want me to cover for you with Sylvie? Make it easier to lie to your grandmother?"

What exactly did he take her for?

Jarrod met her eyes, adjusting his cufflinks with practiced calm. "If you hadn't come, none of this trouble would've happened."

A tight knot formed in Elodie's chest. So it was her fault, then?

Pressing her lips together, she forced herself to stay composed. "Fine. But you approve my resignation-immediately."

Jarrod's dark eyes narrowed slightly, a faint, ambiguous smirk touching his lips. "That's acceptable."

Elodie couldn't make sense of that smile.

She turned and walked straight back to her room.

No wonder Jarrod hadn't told her about coming to Mount Serene he'd brought Sylvie here for a romantic getaway. If she'd known, she never would have come.

brow, Elodie tried to shake off the annoyance. She

herself, tidying her suitcase and checking out the guesthouse's amenities. There was a riding stable, and guests

straight for

arrived when she heard a woman's playful voice, "Ivan! Stop nudging me! Are you trying to be fresh or

lazy, teasing reply drifted over. "Blame the horse,

in

arm around her waist, one hand holding

been too obvious. Ivan glanced over, his gaze darkening, a

her as someone precious, never once saying a harsh

on, Ivan was still family-her most important person. Now, he couldn't even muster basic courtesy; his indifference cut deeper than

spent three years with Jarrod and never won his

into nothing? Had even family ties faded

quietly, not

join us for lunch? My friend

surprised. So Queenie knew Sylvie? That

all about her disastrous marriage

about her, Jarrod's wife, and

Elodie replied, her mood plummeting as she turned

then nudged Ivan. "Your sister doesn't look well. Is she sick?

"She's a grown woman. She'll survive. No need