NovelUSAChapter 504 The scene had plunged into chaos.
Just moments ago, the atmosphere brimmed with privilege and prestige, but now that illusion lay shattered at everyone's feet.
Patricia, unpredictable as ever, had torn everything down without a second thought.
Caught in the middle of it all, Elodie felt the world blur around her. Years of obsession and longing-at last, the fog seemed to lift, and hope flickered through the cracks. With such a public platform to set things right, everything else could finally move forward. At the very least, her mother's so-called "blemish" from all those years ago could slowly be washed away.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtBut for Selma, the fallout from today was just beginning. The embarrassment she faced now was nothing compared to what awaited her.
Elodie drifted, lost in thought, then turned around. Her gaze collided-unexpected and sharp-with Jarrod's. He stood tall across the crowd, his eyes finding hers through the swirling commotion.
Her fingers curled into fists. A smirk tugged at her lips-one part mockery, one part warning.
Jarrod hadn't managed to contain the situation, and now he'd have to deal with the headache he'd brought on himself.
Turning away, Elodie made her way over to Esmeralda.
Finally, Jarrod broke his stare. Maurice, beside him, looked on in stunned silence. After a moment's hesitation, he spoke up. "Jarrod, wouldn't it have been better not to get involved? This could've been sorted out quietly. If you defend Sylvie in front of everyone like that..." He didn't finish the sentence, but the implication hung there-wouldn't that just give people more to gossip about? Aside from comforting Sylvie, what good did it really do? Little s could be overlooked, but this twas different.
"Let's head back. I'll take Sylvie home," Jarrod said, clapping Maurice on the shoulder, making it clear the discussion was over.
Maurice glanced at Joseph, who'd been standing quietly behind them. "Since when is Jarrod... sentimental?" Jarrod was notorious for his cold, ruthless efficiency-he'd always been that way, ever since they were young. But now, suddenly, he was so concerned with Sylvie's feelings...
Joseph kept his silence, but there was no denying it: after today, the fallout from Selma and Sylvie's scandal would be far-reaching.
When Patricia learned that Winifred was Elodie's mother, she promptly returned the painting "Extinction" she'd purchased from Selma's gallery "It belongs to you now, Patricia said. "As for the top half of 'Dwelling,' I still need to return that to the School of Art at Fairview University." Elodie accepted the gesture without fuss, but she still offered, "Talking money might sound tacky to you, but there's ever anything you need, just letknow." A debt of gratitude, clearly drawn.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmPatricia arched an eyebrow, the hint of a smile on her lips. "You knowwell enough by now. How about this? Let's go grab dinner together." "Great idea!" Esmeralda piped up, nodding enthusiastically. "After a day like this, we deserve to celebrate!" Elodie finally smiled, shut the trunk, and waved them forward. "Alright, dinner's on me." Patricia and Esmeralda raced ahead, one vying for the driver's seat, the other for shotgun. Elodie followed, shaking her head in amusement.
She wasn't much of a foodie, but Esmeralda knew all the best spots. It didn't take her long to pick a restaurant.
As they waited for their order, Elodie glanced at Patricia, curiosity om lingering "Miss Aldridge, how did you end up getting involved in all this?" As far as she knew, only she, Jarrod, and Selma's family were aware of the details.
Patricia explained that she'd been at the art museum a few days earlier a and had overheard a conversation between Jarrod and his assistant, which clued her in. fo But...
"The exhibit opened at ten?" Elodie frowned. "I thought the invitation said one in the afternoon." "It did open at ten," Patricia replied, puzzled. "I got an invitation from the museum owner for ten o'clock. Why?"
Patricia loved attending oil painting exhibitions, and the museum had just launched a new one. There was no way she'd miss it.
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
