How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 497

"Is he out of his mind?"

Esmeralda looked absolutely furious, and Elodie gently squeezed her hand. "Let's talk to him about it later, okay?"

Esmeralda clenched her jaw, so incensed that if things really were as bad as they sounded, she was ready to rid the Mercer family of its blight herself.

When Maurice and Joseph Delacroix arrived, their eyes quickly found Elodie across the room.

Maurice blinked in surprise. "What's Elodie doing here? Isn't this a little awkward for her? Did she come just to make things difficult for Sylvie?"

After all, this was Sylvie's big event. For Elodie to show up unannounced seemed downright rude.

Sylvie stood next to Jarrod, her expression unreadable as she replied in a cool voice, "It doesn't matter. If she wants to be here, let her."

She didn't mention that the Thorne family had actually been sent an invitation.

But to everyone else listening, it sounded like Sylvie was confirming that Elodie had shown up uninvited.

Joseph, for his part, kept his gaze on Elodie a moment longer.

Rumors about Elodie and her time at Verdant University had circulated widely in their circles.

He felt a mix of shock-and a realization that if anyone could pull this off, it would be Elodie. He'd underestimated her back then, hadn't realized she was capable of something so... rare.

kept silent, his attention fixed on the team making final arrangements inside the

Sylvie noticed.

"Jarrod, there'll be an interview later in the program. Would

in a way that made her heart flutter. "Of course. I don't mind at

Jarrod, moments like this

compare to the support Jarrod gave her. Anyone with eyes could see how much

paid no attention to any of

stepped away to call Alexander, Elodie glanced at her

had a few paintings in her car; once everyone arrived, she'd be ready to bring

ет

lawn outside set up with elegant decorations As she walked, she let her mind wander, planning

"Ms. Thorne?"

voice

Elodie turned.

It was Joseph.

His tone

a thin

as reserved as

some things

you lately." Content but