How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 143

He'd always looked at her through tinted lenses.

But now...

Joseph found himself studying Elodie's expression again.

Her face was calm as frost, utterly devoid of emotion. The polite warmth she once showed them was gone, replaced by a chill that kept everyone at arm's length.

Elodie... wasn't the same.

"I'm staying with my grandmother," Elodie answered simply, not bothering to explain further.

Joseph was a little surprised, but he could tell she had no intention of chatting.

As for the reason behind her attitude...

He understood. He really did.

Ding-

turned, gave Joseph a polite nod, and

disappear around the corner

moment, rubbing his temples with a wry

to admit he felt a

him, yet he found himself wanting to talk to her more. It struck him, suddenly,

positively beaming, called Elodie over. "Come have

and then replied, "Depends how long these reports take.

scold. "Working even on New Year's Eve? Honestly, Elodie, you're turning into a

"Come on, Rosemary, you know how determined Elodie is-she always gives a hundred percent. If this is what

the chance to change the subject. "Dinner's at seven sharp—I've already reserved a table. Why don't you and Grandma

at once. "Absolutely!" She nudged Emile, and

last bit of work. At last, the sound of her phone snapped

the

ex-mother-in-law almost never called. Lucinda had never truly accepted her, always treating her as if

Elodie hesitated, then answered.

raced. Lucinda had always insisted on being addressed as "Mrs. Silverstein," never "Mom," unless there were outsiders present. Now that she and Jarrod were

was about to