How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 539

There was no trace of awkwardness in her manner.

If anything, she carried herself with a certain breezy confidence.

Patricia found it rather intriguing.

For a woman like Sylvie-spoiled by Jarrod for so many years-to sit across from her, raising her glass with such ease, was unexpected.

Patricia, however, wasn't about to play along. "If it weren't for Mr. Silverstein, you wouldn't catch these ghosts and ghouls in my place," she said, her tone dry and dismissive.

With that, Patricia turned away, handing Elodie a fresh glass of juice over the back of a chair, her stance toward the wife and the mistress clear as day.

She didn't bother responding to Sylvie, but given Jarrod's standing, Patricia offered a nod of respect. "Please, Mr. Silverstein, have a seat."

People nearby, who'd heard their fair share of gossip, couldn't help but cast glances their way.

Sylvie wasn't sure if Elodie had caught her words, but once Jarrod took his seat, Sylvie didn't hesitate-she slipped into the chair right beside him.

If anything, she looked more like Mrs. Silverstein than Elodie did.

Patricia took in the scene, amused.

was long used to such displays-she could treat it all as if it

as he surveyed the gathering. Without pause, he strode over and claimed the empty seat on Elodie's other side, his intention impossible

lighting his eyes. "I had a feeling you'd show up today. Looks like I made

was when Elodie turned, meeting

by on a whim," he said, leaning in so only she could hear over the buzz of

like a secret shared between the two

considered for a moment. "It went

quiet laugh, his eyes falling, his

off guard by his reaction, tilted her head, a silent

to see the exchange. His gaze

catching sight of the easy rapport between Elodie and Watts, poured a glass of wine and set it in front of Sylvie. "Guests are guests, and I'm a gracious host. Ms. Fielding,

the implication-it was a

from a nearby table, seemed ready to interject, but Sylvie

"Thank you

Sylvie's poise-no one could find fault

was, Patricia had to admit, a force

Patricia grinned, refilled Sylvie's

chin on her hand as she studied her. "Ms. Fielding, you're refreshingly straightforward. Now, this is my place, and while all guests are welcome, let me remind you there are different kinds of guests. Don't try to show