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.

made their way

eclectic-socialites, business leaders, creative types from

Grady was here, chatting with someone across

surprised. "How on earth did he get an invite?" she muttered. "He's not even in the same

down her wine and made her way over. "There you are! I was waiting for you two. It's a full house tonight-l hope you don't

her head. "Not at all. The more

then drifted toward the bar, expertly snagging a cocktail for herself and grabbing a glass

pointing out a few people across the room. "There are some great contacts here in your field. I'll introduce you

heavy hitters. No

to have all the fun." Elodie clinked her glass against Patricia's, her tone

"Connections are meant to be used, not

from the

Silverstein! You

guest of

glass halfway to her lips. She glanced up and saw Jarrod enter, Sylvie at his

in interest as she turned to see what the commotion was about. Once

recognized Jarrod, her eyebrownet

I'm glad you@ould make it. But what's the

effort to hide her

lips together, choosing not

hadn't said a word-before

in his usual calm tone, he