How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

After the divorce, Selma would walk away with, at most, a few million-not even close to the true fortunes of old-money families.

Sylvie's brow furrowed.

Maurice agreed that Elodie's words were cutting. "Can't we have a civil

conversation? Why do you have to attack people?"

The moment Sylvie showed interest, the deal soured.

But no matter how much Elodie protested, didn't she always end up compromising for Jarrod in the end?

Her jealousy and bitterness were becoming hard to watch.

"No room for discussion?" Jarrod finally spoke up, his tone calm and almost indifferent as he looked at Elodie.

But his stance was clear.

If Sylvie wanted something, he'd fetch the stars and the moon for her. That was where Sylvie's confidence came from.

Elodie felt a chill creep into her hands and feet.

Was Jarrod really going to pay for Sylvie? Even if Sylvie wanted to take what belonged to her and her mother, he'd still back Sylvie?

No matter the time or place, Jarrod's first allegiance was always to Sylvie.

She met his gaze directly. "It's your choice what you want to give her. But whether

I sell or not—that's my choice."

Sylvie narrowed her eyes.

was what it meant to be completely

Even Maurice frowned.

really willing to forfeit millions

yourself. Just

past Elodie

and Maurice followed,

Sylvie shot Elodie a look-complicated and

this over! That's Mr. Silverstein from The Silverstein Group-they have deep pockets! He's only buying the

Elodie couldn't hear any of

walked out in a

felt as though she'd been slapped, breathless

she understood what Jarrod's words really

if she refused now, he'd find a way to make her agree in the

at the floor, her expression

had moved back for good-why did she have to set her sights on her mother's gallery? Didn't she know it belonged

Of course Selma knew.

art world, even showcasing Selma's paintings at the gallery and helping her earn her first real money

Elodie's mother, who believed in looking out for friends, Selma's tuition was

the end, the

Selma's first move upon returning was to make a play for her

could her motive possibly

grandmother, laid everything bare-that he wanted to buy the gallery for Sylvie, that Elodie's marriage was

gallery's ownership would pass to someone who had

grandmother withstand that kind

Elodie felt utterly alone.