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-

the floor. Elodie turned, gave Joseph a

the corner before the elevator doors slid shut

a long moment, rubbing his

had to admit he felt a

her more. It struck him, suddenly, that he'd never truly known who

and Emile's suite, the hotel had delivered a beautiful fruit platter. Rosemary, positively beaming, called Elodie over. "Come have a snack, Elodie. The concierge just told me there's a

took a bite and then replied, "Depends how long these reports take. You and Grandma should go and enjoy yourselves-start the year off

gave her a mock scold. "Working even on New Year's Eve?

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

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

the honeymoon phase of the trip, agreed at once. "Absolutely!" She nudged Emile, and the two

work. At last, the sound

glanced at the screen. It was

called. Lucinda had never truly accepted her, always treating her as if she were invisible-both in public

Elodie hesitated, then answered.

as "Mrs. Silverstein," never "Mom," unless there were outsiders present. Now that

was about to