How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue novel Chapter 100

Elodie took Esmeralda's hand, her gaze cool and steady as she faced Grady. "We're here on behalf of Mr. Sterling."

Grady frowned, clearly skeptical. "Since when did Mr. Sterling become so casual—sending you two to an event like this, just for networking?" He understood Esmeralda well enough; she was known for little more than parties and pleasure. And her friend Elodie? What could she possibly bring to the table?

Elodie was well aware of Grady's low opinion of her, but she didn't bother to explain. She simply tightened her grip on Esmeralda's hand and steered her toward another section of the exhibition hall.

They brushed past a man coming from the opposite direction, almost shoulder to shoulder.

Naylor Whitaker's gaze lingered on Elodie's face for a few seconds before he moved on.

Grady noticed the look and stepped forward. "Mr. Whitaker, that's my sister. She tends to be a bit unpredictable, so I have to keep an eye on her and her friend. Don't want them causing any trouble."

"Both of them?" Naylor raised an eyebrow in mild amusement.

Before Grady could answer, a sudden commotion erupted from the main hall.

Elodie noticed the shift in atmosphere and glanced over her shoulder.

Jarrod and Sylvie had just arrived. As the event's most anticipated guests, they were immediately surrounded by a crowd eager to greet them.

Sylvie wore a poised, graceful smile, her arm linked delicately through Jarrod's. She met the flurry of compliments with unruffled composure.

Both Jarrod and Sylvie caught sight of Elodie standing across the room.

Jarrod's gaze turned cold; he looked away, refusing to spare Elodie even a passing glance.

When Sylvie leaned in to speak, Jarrod bent his head to listen, their faces close. They exchanged a warm, knowing smile.

Esmeralda, watching the scene unfold, glanced at Elodie's expression and couldn't contain her anger. "Honestly, if you didn't know better, you'd think she was already Mrs. Silverstein! Where does that leave you, Elodie? It's like Jarrod doesn't care about you at all—he can't even be bothered to hide it, not even at a public event!"

Elodie lowered her eyes, her elegant features serene and unreadable. "It's fine. Let's go somewhere else."