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?

had started treating them

stupid enough to deliberately get on our bad side. She's probably just trying some new way

it off, deciding

radiation treatment, but Elodie was already starting to

the lounge area. "Sit here and rest for a bit. I'll go find Fergus for

Elodie nodded in agreement.

wasn't feeling up to much

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

Ivan's voice was sharp, his frown making it clear she wasn't exactly

shut before meeting his deep-set gaze. "I don't recall needing

tongue along his teeth. "Well, look at you, Elodie. Got

lowered her eyes, making it obvious she had no interest in explaining

Ivan was already leaning down, grabbing her wrist. "Come

instinctively tried to pull away. "Let go! You have no right

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

don't start with me." Ivan's tone grew dark, edged with warning-his usual

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 bossing me

separate ways a long

right to

second, a flicker of hurt crossed his

his expression