How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 142

This hotel was busier than usual as the holidays approached. Most of the guests who checked in belonged to the upper crust-wealthy, influential, the kind of clientele who expected nothing less than five-star service.

As soon as Elodie and Rosemary arrived with the family, hotel staff hurried over to help them with their bags.

For years now, Rosemary had spent most holidays at the hospital with Emile. This year, with everyone together at last, her face glowed with quiet joy. "The air here is wonderful, isn't it? Spending New Year's with so many people-it's a nice change of pace."

Elodie smiled softly as she pushed Emile's wheelchair. "As long as you're happy. Grandma, you and Uncle Emile's suite is right next to mine."

Emile glanced over. "Aren't the suites big enough for all of us? Why not just stay together?"

Elodie's lips curved. "I might have to join some late conference calls with Alex and the team. I didn't want to disturb you, so I booked separate rooms."

She brushed over the topic with practiced ease.

Her bag, after all, was packed with vials and bottles of targeted medication. Emile's illness had made him hypersensitive to such things in recent years. Better not to risk anyone noticing.

Dinner for New Year's Eve needed to be arranged in advance with the hotel.

Once Rosemary and Emile were settled, Elodie made her way downstairs.

After discussing the dinner plans with the manager, she headed for the elevators. Just as she reached the lobby, she spotted Joseph nearby, speaking on the phone. The moment he caught sight of her, he froze, then gave her a polite nod in greeting.

little surprised,

elevator; Joseph had already pressed the button and was waiting in silence, watching the floor numbers tick

"The place is newly renovated-great atmosphere. But I doubt there are any

Maurice groaned, "If I'd known, I would've joined you. You have no idea, my

"Yeah."

"Maybe I'll just come over and crash with you. We

Ding-

The elevator arrived.

Seeing Joseph still on the

at

He stepped in.

that a woman? Are you with a woman? Who is she? Her voice sounds kind of

sensed something was

him, her expression cool and composed. He pressed his lips together. "You're hearing things. Anyway, there's no signal in

"There is too!"

Joseph slipped his phone away and looked at Elodie. "You're

on making small talk, but since he'd asked,

"Not spending it

a reasonable