How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

When Jarrod returned, his strikingly handsome face was cold as marble. Sylvie immediately guessed things hadn't gone well with Elodie he didn't bother hiding his impatience toward her.

Octavia, however, seemed distracted. "Did she say anything to you, big brother? Like... badmouthing me or something?"

Jarrod looked up at her. "What did you do to make her upset?"

"Nothing!" Octavia muttered, clutching her juice like a child. "I'm not that bored, you know."

Joseph strolled in, glancing at Jarrod. He chose not to mention what he'd just witnessed outside-no need to make Sylvie uncomfortable. After all, what woman would enjoy seeing another throw herself at her man? That sort of thing was never easy to comment on.

Maurice snorted. "Why are you grilling your sister? If you ask me, Elodie's the one out of line. Chasing Jarrod all the way here-making a scene when she has no chance at all."

Joseph lit a cigarette. "Looking at how things are, even if you filed for divorce, she'd still cling to you. Jarrod, you'd better brace yourself."

Jarrod said nothing, his expression unreadable as he poured Sylvie a cup of tea.

Sylvie just smiled politely, offering neither comment nor opinion. It was clear she considered this little incident beneath her notice.

Octavia watched the scene unfold, a flicker of guilt crossing her mind.

But then again, even if she hadn't been involved, Elodie's desperate behavior

likely

bother

sort of woman who didn't know her

matter if the others misunderstood

that thought, Octavia relaxed, and soon she was chattering away to Sylvie about life at Verdant

specialist for next Monday to discuss

Esmeralda sent her a text: Alexander would be attending the invitational drone competition that afternoon. Normally, Esmeralda—as a major shareholder—would attend as well, but she handed her invitation to Elodie instead, hoping it would give her a chance to

both moved and guilty. She'd placed her trust in the wrong people and wasted so much time, letting down everyone who'd hoped for her. The guilt gnawed at

but she already knew who in PR was best suited to replace her, so she passed

are you really leaving?" The assistant

"Yes, I am."

manager had always liked Elodie; beneath her cool exterior, she was genuinely good-hearted. "You've been looking unwell lately-did you get checked out? Did your

hesitated. "I did.

her. Even if she were dying, Jarrod probably

you usually bringing your husband lunch at noon? Not

of the perfect wife-everyone in PR knew it. She'd mentioned her husband had a sensitive stomach and was picky about

one had ever actually seen Elodie's

in a past

she looked down. "No,

again,