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 up

business leaders, creative types

here, chatting with someone across the

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

made her way over. "There you are! I was waiting for you

her head. "Not at all. The

over her gift, then drifted toward the bar, expertly snagging a cocktail for herself and grabbing a glass of lychee juice

network," Patricia said, leaning in and pointing out a few people across the room. "There are

glanced around. These were heavy hitters. No wonder this party

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

are meant to be used, not wasted,

finished speaking when a voice from the other side of the lounge

You made

guest of honor

her lips. She glanced up and saw Jarrod enter, Sylvie

in interest as she turned to see what

recognized Jarrod, her eyebrownet

amusement. "Mr. Silverstein, I'm glad you@ould make it. But what's

no effort to

together,

gaze flickered briefly to Elodie-who hadn't said a word-before he offered, "Happy

in his usual calm tone, he added, "I hear