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.

a time when everyone in the Harcourt family knew

crush on him was no secret to anyone in

those feelings away, and he admired her

fooling around outside is nothing unusual. Queenie doesn't know you're his wife, and it's best you don't make that public. It would just put

wants?" Elodie lifted her

to leave,

the cold wind biting at her skin. Elodie

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

the others were

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

at your side. Any plans to tie the knot?" Ivan asked with a thoughtful

were supposed to be siblings,

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

understood men better

set down his teacup, his tone

smiled graciously. "My dad's been pushing for

mind. He hesitated before replying, "With your blessing, Mr. Silverstein, I promise you'll be the first

was growing