How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 499

The moment those words left his lips, Elodie caught sight of someone approaching from the side.

Sylvie still stood by Jarrod's side. Hearing the comment, she didn't seem flustered; instead, she glanced at Jarrod with a hint of resignation in her eyes.

Maurice came over, eyebrows lifted in surprise. "What's that supposed to mean? Mr. Mercer's chasing after you? Wants to marry you?"

He shot Jarrod a look. "Looks like Sylvie's got some stiff competition, huh?"

There it was the rivalry was out in the open. Someone else was openly vying for Sylvie's hand.

If any ordinary man were in Jarrod's shoes, he'd probably be feeling the pressure right about now, wanting to claim Sylvie as his own before it was too late.

Sylvie didn't answer, which, in itself, was an answer.

The moment Grady caught sight of Jarrod, his expression stiffened, but he kept silent, choosing not to explain himself.

Elodie, quick on her feet, pulled Esmeralda behind her. Her gaze toward Jarrod was icy, guarded.

After all, Esmeralda's earlier description of Sylvie hadn't exactly been flattering. Elodie wasn't sure if Jarrod had overheard.

And besides, Jarrod had bought the painting again just to hide it away, going out of his way to protect Sylvie and her mother. That alone left Elodie with little reason to show him any warmth.

Jarrod merely shot Elodie a sidelong glance, clearly noting her defensive posture.

event's starting. Let's go,” he said flatly, making no effort to argue or even acknowledge Grady.

knows her heart already belongs to him— that's

of Jarrod, that Grady had feelings for her? Maybe that was for the

natural competitors; they're wired to want what others do. Jarrod, seeing how many people are interested in her, might finally start to reconsider his own intentions.

each other

moment, then turned to Elodie. "If you hadn't come

was a wonder she didn't faint. "I'm going home after this. No way are my parents going to let him

forgetting their earlier plan, calmed her down. "Let's get

"You wait here, I'll

she

stood. There was something she'd been puzzling over. The last time, Jarrod had bought that painting for Sylvie, but now it was back here

exhibition followed a

of the guests had arrived, and

to the crowd.

few journalists roamed the gallery, snapping photos for online

on the agenda: the

be interviewed about

the paintings-each one echoing traces of her mother-her chest tightened with

always tricky. Without irrefutable evidence, and with

Winifred, gone, pursuing justice

If

she'd pushed harder, Selma might have used it as ammo