How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 378

Jarrod ascended the stairs one deliberate step at a time until he stood just behind Elodie, his gaze cool and steady on Octavia a silent warning in his eyes.

Octavia shrank back instinctively, darting behind Lucinda for cover.

Lucinda understood Jarrod's meaning at once. Octavia's words had been reckless, especially in such a public setting. Walls had ears, and if anyone overheard, the messy love triangle would be out in the open for all to see.

And that would be the end of any semblance of dignity.

"Go find your grandmother." Lucinda shot Octavia a pointed look, her brow furrowing in disapproval.

Octavia bit her lip, shot a resentful glare at Elodie, and stomped off, clearly unwilling but not daring to argue.

Sensing Jarrod behind her, Elodie shifted ever so slightly, putting a bit more space between them in the narrow corridor.

Lucinda regarded Elodie with a complicated expression. "Tonight's gathering may have been arranged specially for you by Mrs. Silverstein, but officially, it's just a casual dinner party-not an announcement that the family is welcoming a new daughter-in-law. No one here will know who you really are. If you're grateful for her kindness, then be mindful-don't give yourself away and drag the Silversteins into a scandal."

Sylvie were already swirling

openly declare herself as Mrs. Silverstein now, it might not have any

infancy-hardly in a position

things

her tone cool and measured. "It's the Silversteins hosting this party. Why are you lecturing me about propriety?" She saw right through

Lucinda's frown deepened.

the Silversteins in a

scowled, shot Elodie one last look, and left to mingle with

was for, she simply replied, "A family blessing." No one pressed

let her know she'd arrived and hopefully spare her any more worry for the rest

it wasn't about defending Elodie. He was only worried Octavia might

didn't seem to mind Elodie's aloofness. There was always a measured distance

"Quite a fuss they've made for Elodie,

Jarrod wouldn't let Sylvie be