The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 409

The news spread like wildfire.

Headlines regarding the Lowell family dominated every major media outlet.

[Lowell Family Matriarch Eleanor Dead from Sudden Heart Attack Following Granddaughter's Indictment.]

Jocelyn was at the bakery picking up a cake when she saw the alert on her phone.

Within forty-eight hours, two massive scandals had rocked the Lowell empire.

First, the public announcement of her divorce from Adrian.

Second, Claire's impending prison sentence and Eleanor's sudden death.

Life was certainly getting interesting for them.

Jocelyn felt incredibly calm as she read the news.

She didn't feel sad.

But she didn't feel like gloating, either.

It was just genuinely surprising that someone as formidable as Eleanor could drop dead just like that.

Life really was unpredictable.

Sarah called a few minutes later.

"Did you see the news? Oh my god, isn't this what they call karma? What goes around comes around. The Lowells are finally getting what they deserve."

Jocelyn didn't quite know what to say.

It would be perfectly normal for her to gloat at a time like this.

After all, Eleanor was the architect of so much of her suffering during her years in that house.

The reason she didn't feel the need to celebrate was probably that she had simply let go of the anger.

Her mother's name was cleared, and her own life was finally on track. She didn't have room for hatred anymore.

"Jo? What are you thinking about? Why'd you go quiet?"

Jocelyn pulled herself out of her thoughts.

"I'm just realizing how unpredictable life can be."

"No kidding," Sarah agreed. "That's why I've always believed you just have to live in the moment. Do what you want to do. If you drag your feet and overthink things, by the time you're finally ready, the opportunity might be gone."

"Yeah."

From now on, all she wanted to do was shine in the field she loved.

She wanted to be the Jocelyn who never had to depend on anyone ever again.

"I get off work early today. Where are you? I'll come find you and we can grab dinner. You promised to treat me to soup dumplings at The Willow Garden, and I'm cashing in that favor tonight."

"I definitely won't back out on my promise," Jocelyn chuckled. "But tonight actually doesn't work. I'm going to my godmother's house for dinner."

"You mean Mr. Vance's aunt?"

Jocelyn hung up, scrolling idly through her messages.

A text from a familiar number sat in her blocked messages folder.

She clicked on it. It was just three simple words.

[Grandma passed away.]

It was from Adrian.

Jocelyn hesitated for a moment, unblocked the number, and typed a brief response.

[My condolences.]

She locked her phone, glanced up at the darkening sky, and walked back to the car with the cake box in hand.

Kyle drove her to the estate and walked her to the front door, clearly planning to wait outside.

Jocelyn stopped him.

"Come inside. I already told Penelope you were coming."

"No, thank you. I'll just wait out here for you."

Left with no other choice, Jocelyn resorted to threats.

"Get inside. If you don't listen to me, I'm telling your boss on you."