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."

"Let's go grab our seats in the auction

was in the second row. As for the

Elodie glanced up.

settling into the prime seats

was always a pecking order at events like

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

were

every time she glanced up, Sylvie was leaning in close, whispering something to Jarrod, who would bend his head, listening

his eyes warm and attentive

expression remained calm as she looked past

this their little love show? Should we just wheel a bed out for

just gave Esmeralda's hand a gentle squeeze, a

felt nothing

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

was a cause

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

rolled out, one

watched as Jarrod handed his bidding

call the shots

paddle with a bright smile and didn't hold back, raising it