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.

and Esmeralda made their way up to the fifth

crowd was eclectic-socialites, business leaders, creative types from

here, chatting with someone across

an invite?" she muttered. "He's not even in the same

way over. "There you are!

shook her head. "Not at all. The more the

a cocktail for herself and grabbing a glass of

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

glanced around. These were heavy hitters. No wonder this party was such a

have all the fun." Elodie clinked

are meant

from the other

Silverstein! You

the guest

her lips. She glanced up and

she turned to see what the commotion was

recognized Jarrod, her eyebrownet

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

made no effort to

her lips together,

Elodie-who hadn't said a

he added, "I hear there's been