How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Elinor burned with anger but was forced to swallow it down.

She knew all too well what Jarrod Silverstein was capable of-how, years ago, he'd squeezed their side of the family until they barely had a foothold left. They'd been all but "exiled" for years now.

Deep down, Elinor feared and dreaded Jarrod more than she cared to admit. She kept her mouth shut, not daring to utter a single word.

But the one who was truly seething was Patricia Aldridge.

She'd arrived today in good spirits, only to find Jarrod even sharper and more ruthless than he'd been in years past.

All her life, Patricia had been the one others fawned over-except when it came to Jarrod. In front of him, she'd stumbled again and again.

And now, to be dismissed with a word as humiliating as "mistress"—it was an outright insult.

Sprague Silverstein pressed his lips together. Though he was quietly furious, he forced himself to keep his composure. “Jarrod, Miss Aldridge is our guest,” he reminded.

Jarrod had already brushed past him, his usual poise now tinged with venom. "If you still can't see the reality of things, big brother, maybe you ought to return to Italy for a few more years. Figure out whose side you're really on."

Each word struck deeper than the last.

Sprague's eyes darkened.

Jarrod completely off balance. Jarrod was never one to let his emotions show, no matter the time or place. But now, he

the first time, she saw her son—so brilliant, so inscrutable,

to upend their entire

any more words on people who didn't matter. After checking on his grandmother, he turned and left without looking

for Patricia, he had plenty of ways

said quietly, "My apologies, Miss Aldridge. Please

and even. She understood Patricia's intentions, but she also knew no one could dictate Jarrod's choices. Not her,

Patricia caught the meaning

her fingers tighter before nodding. "It's fine, He's alwaysbeen like this. We've known each other for

impose any longer

fuming and had no desire to linger for the sake of empty pleasantries. Her proud, imperious attitude only ever wavered in front

spoke up in a low voice. "I'll

Patricia didn't refuse.

other, leaving Lucinda and Elinor

indignant. After all, Jarrod was Lucinda's son and had basically just snubbed his

rushed off with Elodie when she fainted, didn't even care about his grandmother's birthday luncheon. If this gets out, people will

coolly. "If you're so envious, why not tell

looks after his