How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 160

Only Elodie seemed oblivious to how these things worked.

Jarrod set his teacup down with casual indifference. "You can't put a price on happiness and love. Raise it."

Sylvie paused for a split second, then her lips curled into a smile, her eyes soft and glowing with sweetness. She raised her paddle again, chin tilted ever so slightly. "Fifty million."

Ever since Elodie had joined the bidding, her eyes had been glued to Jarrod's table. She'd seen with her own eyes that Sylvie hadn't planned to continue until Jarrod gave her every ounce of confidence. No matter how high the price, he would back her up.

In that instant, the color drained from Elodie's face. For the first time, she felt a suffocating pressure she couldn't put into words. Her heart clenched tight, aching and numb all at once.

Up ahead, Maurice and the others watched the whole scene unfold with keen interest, glancing at Elodie with looks that needed no translation. Their eyes seemed to mock her, silently declaring her defeat and the absurdity of her challenge.

Was Elodie even qualified to compete with Sylvie?

Grady felt a conflicting mix of emotions. He glanced at Sylvie, then leaned in to whisper to Maurice, "Mr. Silverstein treats Ms. Fielding awfully well... Are they really planning to get married?"

a sidelong glance at Elodie, who looked utterly lost. "I think so,"

the picture, it was only a matter

a sour pang in his chest. He knew, deep down, that compared to Jarrod, he didn't

exactly how Elodie felt. She leaned closer, urgent. "Do you really

head. "It's not that. That ring is an heirloom

Elodie's hand, she blurted, "Raise your paddle! Go all in! I've got over ten million in my

Elodie only shook her head, resigned. "You don't

meant nothing to Jarrod. No matter how high she bid, Jarrod would always raise the stakes for Sylvie-he'd

It was pointless.

were red with frustration. "Damn it! What is Jarrod playing at?

went silent for

He knew.

married, she'd thought Jarrod was resourceful enough to help her find it. She'd even asked him for help, shown him a picture of the ring. He'd agreed,

And now...

He understood everything—and still, for Sylvie, he dug a chunk of flesh straight from Elodie's