How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 157

Maurice was the first to notice Elodie. He arched an eyebrow but still offered a greeting. "What a coincidence."

Elodie spared him only a fleeting glance before taking Esmeralda by the arm and steering her away.

Clearly, she had no intention of engaging.

Maurice had never liked her much-his past attitude toward her had always been tinged with contempt. Out of respect for Jarrod, she used to swallow her pride, but now, there was no reason for her to keep up the pretense.

As for Esmeralda, she had even less interest in acknowledging Grady. The two of them ignored the men completely, not even pretending to be polite.

Maurice was a little surprised by this, though not offended.

Elodie's temperament had grown sharper lately.

Was this her new tactic for winning Jarrod over?

On New Year's Eve, she hadn't even bothered bringing them the usual hangover remedy. Jarrod had guessed right after all.

"Don't you think Elodie's gotten a bit arrogant?" Grady muttered, frowning in confusion. "It's like she doesn't even see us anymore."

Maurice found himself at a loss.

Was Elodie just trying a different approach to get attention, or was something else going on?

started treating them as

to Jarrod-she wouldn't be stupid enough to deliberately get on our bad side. She's probably just trying

waved it off, deciding it

Elodie was already starting to feel drained after only

to the lounge area. "Sit

Elodie nodded in agreement.

really wasn't feeling up to much

own, while Elodie glanced at her watch, mentally calculating when she needed to take her medication. She reached into

are you doing over here?" Ivan's voice was sharp, his frown making it clear

gaze. "I don't recall needing your permission

gave a short laugh, running his tongue along his teeth. "Well, look at you, Elodie.

making it obvious she had no

already leaning down, grabbing her wrist. "Come on. I'll have someone take you

as she instinctively tried to pull away. "Let go! You have

so worked up about her being here. It was just a charity gala-what was the

tone grew dark,

suddenly stopped struggling and looked him square in the eyes. "Ivan, I'm not the little sister who needs your protection and control anymore. I don't need you worrying over me or

ways a

no right to tell her

perfectly. For a second, a flicker

his