How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 144

Lucinda was caught off guard.

She fell silent, turning Elodie's words over in her mind, searching for their deeper meaning.

She knew Elodie's temperament well-always patient, always considerate. Whenever Lucinda asked for something within Elodie's abilities, Elodie rarely refused. That's why, seeing Elodie suddenly stand her ground like this, Lucinda couldn't help but wonder if Elodie had made other plans.

After a moment's hesitation, Lucinda asked, "What's going on? Why didn't you do it? You know perfectly well how much the ladies adore your baking. I specifically asked you to remember and make a few extra batches for gifts each year, didn't 1?"

Every holiday, her circle of friends exchanged little presents an unspoken tradition that kept their social and business ties alive. Elodie's desserts had always been a big hit with them.

For the past few years, Lucinda would have Elodie spend hours baking, packaging up treats to send to each household. They were just some small pastries—time-consuming, yes, but as the Silverstein family's daughter-in-law, wasn't that her duty?

Elodie's gaze remained calm as she looked at the computer screen. "Didn't Jarrod mention I was spending New Year's with my grandmother's family?"

Lucinda's tone was as matter-of-fact as ever.

The truth was, Elodie had never liked it.

her, no matter how exhausting. Even if it was only desserts, it still took hours of her time and effort. Every year, she'd spend an entire day in the kitchen, and by the time she finally

But nobody cared.

how Elodie had changed so much this year. In the past, Elodie had always played the part, eager to please, staying dutifully by

Lucinda really cared what Elodie thought

All that mattered was-

be celebrating the holidays with your husband's family. You left without even saying anything-what does that look like? Just now, one of my friends was asking for your pastries again. There's

New Year's or not, Lucinda couldn't care less. The only thing that mattered was what Elodie

Elodie replied, her

Year's, to cater to their whims. But Elodie was done neglecting

this would have anything to do with

was momentarily speechless. It took her a while to find her voice

was defying her or talking back-Elodie wouldn't dare. Elodie loved her son and treasured her place as Mrs. Silverstein; she'd always been cautious and eager to please. How could she possibly be trying to embarrass

me for dinner. Happy New Year," Elodie

New Year's Eve, after all—she didn't want to waste it on

little episode, Elodie shut her laptop and headed

panoramic glass ceiling that offered a stunning view of the city