How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Elinor's grin widened. "Well, that means you two hit it off, doesn't it? Miss

Aldridge, Jarrod can be a bit... difficult with people and situations, even I find him

a little intimidating. But if you get along with Sprague, you should come visit more

often!"

"Is that so? At least Mr. Silverstein has better taste than Jarrod," Patricia replied,

glancing in the direction Jarrod had left, deliberately ignoring Elinor's latter

suggestion.

Sprague sipped his tea, fully aware of his mother's intentions.

She was hoping he and Patricia might become something more.

Ideally, even a marriage alliance.

That would be quite advantageous...

Jarrod entered his grandmother's bedroom.

After what had happened yesterday, she was still shaken and not feeling well.

She was lying down, but when she saw Jarrod, she sat up. "How is Elodie?"

Jarrod took a seat. "Didn't I already tell you?"

The old woman's face darkened. She couldn't help thinking the world was terribly

unfair-how could it be so cruel to such a good child?

But...

Just then, Lucinda entered, her voice low and calm. "Miss Aldridge came by to

visit. What was that attitude you gave her?"

Jarrod poured his grandmother a glass of water, his tone icy. "You don't need to

worry about my attitude. Maybe you should consider what your siblings are up to.

The second branch is clearly hoping for a match with the Aldridge family. I imagine

that'll give you plenty to stress about."

Lucinda, stung once more, could barely keep her composure.

Jarrod didn't bother with pleasantries. "Someone like Patricia? Best keep your

distance. It's obvious the second branch has their own agenda, but I'll make it

clear: she's not setting foot into the Silverstein family."

Patricia's visit was nothing more than an attempt to sway the Silversteins,

especially now, during the rumors about Elodie's supposed "miscarriage" or

"cancer." With just a few words, she could easily stir up trouble and spark all kinds

of drama.

And as for Elinor and her side of the family-Sprague was still unmarried, and

now, with such a 'suitable' candidate, of course they'd be scheming.

But Jarrod would never allow someone like Patricia to become part of the family.

Once Elodie was healthy again, he'd make sure she never had to deal with thisnoveldrama

sort of trouble.

He wouldn't let her suffer, not even a little.

And as for Patricia herself-he'd handle her.

Lucinda's face hardened. "What's that supposed to mean?"

The old woman said nothing, but she understood exactly what Jarrod was getting

at.

Though it sounded like he was talking to Lucinda, really, he was including her as

well.

Jarrod was worried she might interfere in his relationship with Elodie.

She knew her grandson was shrewd-calculating to the core.

Satisfied that his grandmother was alright, Jarrod stood to leave.

At the door, he shot Lucinda a look-she was clearly rattled by his words.

He regarded her coolly, his tone

unchanging. "Let's get something

straight. I'm a married man. I expect

the Silversteins to act with some

decency-I have no intention of

starting a harem in a modern

civilized society."

His words were blunt-cutting straight to the heart of the matter.

Lucinda blanched, speechless.

Patricia arrived just in time to hear him.

The smile on her lips froze, then faded, leaving her expression stiff and

embarrassed.

How dare Jarrod speak about her like that?!

Even Sprague, standing beside her, frowned and tried to defend her dignity.

"Jarrod, that's out of line."

But after everything with Elodie's

illness, Jarrod had no patience

left-nor any desire to spare

anyone's feelings.

He strode out, his voice cold and

sharp as a blade: "If you think that's

appropriate, why don't you go home

and ask your father to take another

wife?"

Elinor, who had just walked in, stopped in her tracks, her face falling in shock.

She was so furious she literally trembled.

Since when had Jarrod become so mercilessly blunt?