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?"

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

Elodie was out of the picture, it was

a sour pang in his chest. He knew, deep down, that compared to Jarrod, he

Elodie felt. She leaned closer, urgent. "Do you really care about

"It's not that. That ring is an heirloom in the Thorne

face changed dramatically. Grabbing Elodie's hand, she blurted, "Raise your paddle! Go all

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

how high she bid, Jarrod would always raise the stakes for Sylvie-he'd push

It was pointless.

it! What is Jarrod playing

silent

He knew.

help, shown him a

And now...

of irony. He