How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 471

Patricia Aldridge's question came off as casual, but the confidence in her tone was unmistakable-brash, effortless, the kind that could only be built on generations of family legacy and a mountain of wealth.

Sylvie Fielding hesitated, just for a second.

That was all the opening Patricia needed. She narrowed her eyes. "Oh, I just got back to the country, and I've already heard a bit of gossip. Word is you tried to force an engagement recently?"

Sylvie froze, her expression darkening for a fleeting moment.

Why did Patricia have to be so blunt?

Even Jarrod Silverstein glanced over, his brow creasing in mild disapproval.

Patricia tilted her head, smiling. "If you want to negotiate, give me a price I'll actually consider. Think it over, Ms. Fielding."

With that, she turned on her heel and strolled toward Elodie Thorne, who stood nearby.

By the time Elodie realized Patricia was headed her way, Patricia was already in front of her. Patricia offered her hand with a poised smile. “Mrs. Silverstein... Oh wait, Ms. Thorne, isn't it? Nice to meet you. I'm Patricia, Watts Aldridge's sister."

Patricia made no effort to hide her intentions or her opinions.

Sylvie, of course, saw all of this unfold in plain view.

Patricia's attitude toward Elodie was a world apart from the way she'd just spoken to Sylvie.

of everyone had been a public slap

at the scene. This Miss Aldridge was not

concerned with saving

looked down at Sylvie. "It's not over. There's still room to negotiate.

her feelings a tangled

told herself Patricia was only being nice to Elodie out of pity-pity for someone not truly

Meanwhile

first

shook Patricia's hand.

and straightforward. "I've just returned,

precedes you. I'm genuinely

Mind if we eval

contact info?"

Elodie saw no reason to

brow, giving her a knowing look. "Thank you. My brother's mentioned you a

silent, a little caught off

out sometime. And I hope you enjoy the exhibit today-every piece here is mine. If

and disappeared into the crowd,

couldn't help but notice-these siblings shared more than a few

expected to make such