How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 158

Ivan immediately let go and smiled. "Why didn't you tell me in advance? I could've come to pick you up."

Queenie finally broke into a grin, walked over, and wrapped her arms around his waist, nestling against his chest. Her voice was soft and teasing. "I didn't want you to wear yourself out. You kept me up half the night, remember?"

Elodie lowered her gaze, her expression unreadable.

The possessive undertone in Queenie's words didn't stir any emotion in her- none at all. She was just an onlooker in this story.

Queenie, however, turned her attention to Elodie and smiled. "Can you stay a bit longer tonight? We're having a feast, and we need you here."

Elodie met her gaze, her voice even. "What's on the menu?"

Queenie winked mischievously. "You'll see soon enough."

She left it at that, then playfully tugged Ivan toward the other side of the room. "My dad just arrived. Come say hi."

Ivan slipped an arm around her waist and didn't refuse. As he walked away, though, he shot Elodie a glance-its meaning impossible to decipher.

Elodie didn't dwell on it.

When Esmeralda returned, she shook her head. "No luck. This Fergus is a real mystery."

the room but didn't seem bothered. "Let's go grab our seats in the auction

was in the second row. As for the front

Elodie glanced up.

settling into the prime seats at the center

a pecking order

to her. Still, from where she sat, every time

Jarrod and Sylvie were the first people

leaning in close, whispering something to Jarrod, who

faintly, his eyes warm and attentive as he looked at Sylvie

remained calm as she

gritted her teeth. "Is this their little love show? Should we just wheel a

hand a gentle

felt nothing extra-no

high-profile guests in attendance. Every item up for auction had been donated by celebrities or major organizations, and

was a cause

she planned to do her part for charity, too. If something caught her eye, she'd

rolled out, one

her seat, she watched as Jarrod

he intended for Sylvie to call the shots tonight-he'd

bright smile and didn't hold back, raising it