How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 538

Sylvie had changed, if only a little.

Elodie could sense it-subtle, yet unmistakable.

Was it her true nature finally showing through, or just the result of too many hard lessons? Elodie couldn't say for sure.

It made sense, though. Sylvie had always been someone for whom things came easily. But when it came to Patricia, she never seemed to come out ahead. It was only natural she'd be a little frustrated.

Not that Elodie cared to get involved.

After checking progress at the factory, she realized she should probably pick out a birthday gift for Patricia.

Alexander had no intention of going along, so Elodie reached out to Esmeralda.

Esmeralda never passed up a party. She agreed instantly.

Patricia's birthday bash was the talk of the town-a whole cruise ship rented out for the occasion. When Elodie and Esmeralda arrived, the place was buzzing. People streamed aboard, many of them familiar faces to Esmeralda, who couldn't go ten steps without being pulled into a conversation.

Elodie, on the other hand, hardly knew anyone.

Her social circle had shrunk over the years. Aside from work acquaintances, her close friends really only included Esmeralda and Alexander.

Everyone else? That was all Jarrod.

their way

eclectic-socialites, business leaders, creative

Grady was here, chatting with someone across

did he get an invite?"

could reply. She set down her wine and made her way over. "There you are! I was waiting for you

shook her head. "Not at

toward the bar, expertly snagging a cocktail for herself and grabbing a glass of lychee

in and pointing out a few people across the room. "There are some great contacts here in your

were heavy hitters. No wonder this party was such a big

have all the fun." Elodie clinked

meant to be used, not wasted, don't you

a voice from the other side of the lounge drew everyone's

Silverstein! You

guest

She glanced up and saw Jarrod

interest as she turned to see what the

recognized Jarrod, her eyebrownet

"Mr. Silverstein, I'm glad you@ould make it. But what's the story with your

effort to

together, choosing not

flickered briefly to Elodie-who hadn't said

usual calm tone, he added,