How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 500

Elodie's movement faltered for a split second. She turned—and saw Patricia striding in, heels clicking with crisp authority.

Even Jarrod glanced over, though he stayed put, unmoving in his seat.

Selma, however, reminded herself that this was, after all, Patricia's art museum. Patricia's presence here could surely be counted as a show of support.

Selma rose smoothly. "Miss Aldridge, welcome."

Patricia regarded her with a cool, restrained smile. "Am I interrupting? Looks like you're in the middle of an interview for your press kit, aren't you?"

Selma's reply was calm, unfazed. "Not at all. You're welcome to take a seat, Miss Aldridge."

But Patricia remained where she was, eyes narrowed as she glanced toward Sylvie and the man beside her-Jarrod.

She finally turned back, voice light but laced with an edge. "No need to fuss over me. I'm just here to drop off a gift for your show, that's all." She fixed her gaze on Selma. "Is now a good time?"

Selma knew Patricia's reputation in the art world-her attendance could only help the museum's publicity. Smiling, Selma nodded. "Of course."

Patricia clapped her hands.

Elodie glanced over as several staff members, following Patricia's cue, wheeled in a large painting from outside.

The moment Elodie recognized it, her brows shot up in surprise.

other day? The one called *Delusion*?

how was it now

Elodie frowned and looked at Jarrod, seated in the

up too, his eyes meeting hers unexpectedly. His gaze was

Sylvie were taken aback. They couldn't fathom why Patricia was returning

"Miss Aldridge, may I

this piece deserves center stage-far outshining most of what's being exhibited

tone remained composed. "If you love it that much, Miss

swept her up and down, her tone dry. "Did I say I wanted any of your other paintings?

hadn't expected such a sharp rebuff. Her brows knitted in

it just her, or did Patricia

same, her frown deepening as she glanced at

studying the painting with genuine interest.

the photographers had drifted over to snap pictures

gaze

always liked that painting. But when

she wanted it, I just let her have

the first time something like this had happened. Back at the Warwick family's calligraphy exhibition, Jarrod had helped Sylvie outbid Elodie for a piece. Later, Jarrod claimed a friend of his was interested and asked if Sylvie minded letting it

She just hadn't

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