How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 496

Even though Sylvie hadn't said a word, Elodie understood her perfectly.

Linking arms with Jarrod in public-especially right in front of her-was Sylvie's way of sending a message to everyone: she was the one Jarrod cared about. And, by extension, it highlighted how little Elodie meant to her own "husband."

Esmeralda's face darkened at the sight. This wasn't subtle at all; it was a blatant provocation.

She started to speak up, but Elodie coolly looked away and squeezed her hand. "Let's go inside."

After all, Sylvie hadn't technically done anything wrong. If she made a scene right now, it would only make her seem petty and jealous, blowing things out of proportion.

Besides, she hadn't come here just to pick a fight. She already had a plan in mind -she needed to stay alert, wait for the right moment, and at the very least, let everyone arrive before making any moves. Otherwise, it'd all be for nothing.

Esmeralda had no choice but to swallow her indignation.

They were here for something important today; she couldn't afford to drag Elodie down.

hiring a renowned local curator and making sure the whole event was top-tier and flashy. The

had been built on

graduation, had accused her of plagiarizing her senior project. The series was publicly shamed, her mother branded a thief, and the paintings eventually vanished. Even though Jarrod had paid a fortune last year to recover one of them, it was useless-he refused to give Elodie the one painting

a couple of feathers turns a chicken into a peacock,"

yet; most of

so much drama lately. The other side's desperate to turn this into

Jarrod

was a walking endorsement. His mere presence would draw half the city's

tonight; the moment she spotted Elodie, she glided over with a bright, practiced smile. "Came on your own? Where's your grandmother? Your uncle? Didn't they want

asked sweetly, every

be ruffled so easily. "Don't worry. I'll

of surprise crossed Selma's

slightest trace of anger

Wouldn't want you to overdo it and ruin everything for yourself," Esmeralda chimed in, her sarcasm barely veiled. She might as well have come right out