How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

So this was what truly mattered to Ivan.

His concern for her had nothing to do with old feelings; he was only worried because The Silverstein Group was about to partner with them.

In Ivan's eyes, she was still, after all, Mrs. Harcourt. If she didn't know how to play

her part, and Jarrod took offense, it could cause quite a ripple.

Elodie looked at him quietly. "Is that all you wanted to say to me?"

"No," Ivan stubbed out his cigarette and met her eyes. "Queenie doesn't know about our past. I'd appreciate it if you got along with her."

Was that a warning to keep her mouth shut?

Elodie almost laughed.

Everything that had happened today left her feeling raw, an ache rising in her chest.

"Brother," she said with a calm, almost distant tone, "if she's ever curious about how you came to be my brother, maybe I'll chat with her. But is there really anything else left between us?"

Ivan's brow furrowed.

time when everyone in the Harcourt family

was no

feelings away, and

pointed reminder, "Men fooling around outside is nothing unusual. Queenie doesn't know you're his wife, and it's best you don't

wants?" Elodie lifted

leave, offering no

her skin. Elodie drew a deep breath and let out a

her, never let anyone hurt her-now he just

and the others were chatting as if nothing had

and Sylvie. In truth, running into Jarrod at Mount Serene had been pure chance. From this encounter,

a lucky man, beautiful woman at your side. Any plans

were supposed to be siblings,

didn't care. Instead, he offered his best wishes to Sylvie and Jarrod, as if he was already certain the marriage

no one understood

be celebrating soon, Mr. Harcourt." Jarrod set down his teacup,

dad's been pushing

Elodie's face flashing across his mind. He hesitated before replying, "With your blessing,

was growing