How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue novel Chapter 500

Elodie’s movement faltered for a split second. She turned—and saw Patricia striding in, heels clicking with crisp authority.

Even Jarrod glanced over, though he stayed put, unmoving in his seat.

Selma, however, reminded herself that this was, after all, Patricia’s art museum. Patricia’s presence here could surely be counted as a show of support.

Selma rose smoothly. “Miss Aldridge, welcome.”

Patricia regarded her with a cool, restrained smile. “Am I interrupting? Looks like you’re in the middle of an interview for your press kit, aren’t you?”

Selma’s reply was calm, unfazed. “Not at all. You’re welcome to take a seat, Miss Aldridge.”

But Patricia remained where she was, eyes narrowed as she glanced toward Sylvie and the man beside her—Jarrod.

She finally turned back, voice light but laced with an edge. “No need to fuss over me. I’m just here to drop off a gift for your show, that’s all.” She fixed her gaze on Selma. “Is now a good time?”

Selma knew Patricia’s reputation in the art world—her attendance could only help the museum’s publicity. Smiling, Selma nodded. “Of course.”

Patricia clapped her hands.

Elodie glanced over as several staff members, following Patricia’s cue, wheeled in a large painting from outside.

The moment Elodie recognized it, her brows shot up in surprise.

Wasn’t this the same painting she’d gone to collect from the gallery the other day? The one called *Delusion*? She distinctly remembered hearing that Jarrod had bought it.

So how was it now in Patricia’s possession?

She couldn’t make sense of it. Instinctively, Elodie frowned and looked at Jarrod, seated in the center of attention.

As if on cue, Jarrod glanced up too, his eyes meeting hers unexpectedly. His gaze was cool, unreadable—a placid indifference on the surface.

Both Selma and Sylvie were taken aback. They couldn’t fathom why Patricia was returning the painting.

Selma hesitated. “Miss Aldridge, may I ask what this is about?”