How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 102

"The Warwick family and the Whitakers-now that's a powerhouse alliance if I ever saw one."

Elodie raised her brows in mild surprise. No wonder the exhibition had such a high bar for entry. The Warwick name alone opened doors, and then there was the Whitaker network on top of that. Clearly, this wasn't the kind of event just anyone could waltz into. Even Jarrod showing up made sense now.

After finishing their tour of the first floor, Elodie and Esmeralda ascended the stairs to the second. Each gallery space had its own distinct style, a dazzling array of art on display. Elodie had always been interested in art-her mother worked in the field, after all, and she'd grown up surrounded by sketches, canvases, and the gentle scent of turpentine.

But as she wandered through the rooms on both floors, she saw nothing of her mother's work. Disappointment settled quietly in her chest.

"These paintings aren't for sale, are they?" Elodie asked.

Esmeralda—always in the know-shook her head immediately. "Nope. The Warwick collection is basically Mr. Warwick's personal passion project. Plus, he's devoted an entire section to his grandfather Raleigh's calligraphy. Really, this whole event is just an elegant excuse to expand his social circle."

That left Elodie uneasy. If she did spot her mother's painting here, how would she even begin to reclaim it?

They made their way up to the third floor.

that resonated with her. She lingered before it,

voice from behind. "Jarrod,

was looking

reply, "If you like it, I can take you abroad to

you, but wouldn't

"Not at all."

overlooked her wishes, always making sure she got what she wanted. If Sylvie liked a painting, Jarrod would find a way to buy her several more. But Elodie could only stand

That was the difference.

Esmeralda, Elodie kept scanning the walls, searching for any sign that might point back to

finally her eyes caught on a canvas tucked

style, colors, and brushwork were nearly identical to the piece that had once hung at Fairview University: the missing half of her mother's

out the manager on the third

"I'm very interested in this painting. Would Mr. Warwick consider letting it

her