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?

really had started treating them as if they

stupid enough to deliberately get on our bad side. She's

waved it off, deciding it wasn't worth

Elodie was already starting to feel drained after only a short time

lounge area. "Sit here and

Elodie nodded in agreement.

really wasn't feeling up to much

watch, mentally calculating when she needed to take her medication. She reached into her purse just as someone stepped in

you doing over here?" Ivan's voice was sharp, his frown

paused, snapping her purse shut before meeting his deep-set gaze. "I don't recall needing your permission for anything I

"Well, look at you, Elodie. Got a bit of

eyes, making it obvious she had no interest in explaining

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

expression shifted as she instinctively tried to pull away. "Let go! You have no right to interfere—I'm

her being here.

tone grew

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 bossing me around.

separate ways a long

no right to tell her what

a second, a flicker of hurt crossed

his