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.

There was a time when everyone in the Harcourt

then, her crush on him was no secret to

she could tuck those feelings away, and he admired

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

Jarrod wants?" Elodie lifted

to leave,

stood out on the porch, the cold wind biting at her skin. Elodie drew a deep breath and let out a bitter

mistreat her, never let anyone hurt her-now he just stood by as she sunk deeper, telling her not to make

Ivan returned, Jarrod and the others

truth, running into Jarrod at Mount Serene had been pure chance. From

Silverstein, you're a lucky man, beautiful woman at your side. Any plans to tie the knot?" Ivan asked with a

knowing Ivan and Elodie were supposed to be siblings, watched him carefully, a faint smile curving her

Elodie's marriage, but he didn't care. Instead, he offered his best wishes to Sylvie and Jarrod, as if

all, no one understood

soon, Mr. Harcourt." Jarrod set down his teacup, his tone cool and

graciously. "My dad's been pushing

across his mind. He hesitated before replying, "With your blessing, Mr. Silverstein, I promise you'll

Octavia was growing