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

Even Maurice frowned.

forfeit millions

gave a careless smirk. "Suit yourself. Just

past Elodie as he

followed, one

Sylvie shot Elodie a look-complicated and laced with

nearly frantic. "Ms. Thorne, please think this over! That's Mr. Silverstein from The Silverstein Group-they have deep pockets! He's only buying the gallery to please his mother-in-law. Money is no object

couldn't hear any of

out in a

been slapped, breathless from the

understood what

find a way to make her agree

the door, she stared at the

to set her sights on

Of course Selma knew.

ago, Elodie's mother had helped Selma break into the art world, even showcasing Selma's paintings

came from a small, struggling town; her parents nearly went bankrupt to support her. After meeting Elodie's mother, who believed in looking out for friends,

the end, the first betrayal came from

first move upon returning was to make a play for

could her motive

laid everything bare-that he wanted to buy the gallery for Sylvie, that Elodie's marriage was ending because Jarrod had

gallery's ownership would pass to someone who had stabbed her mother in

withstand that kind of

Elodie felt utterly alone.