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.

grown up, Elodie. There was a time when everyone in the Harcourt family knew

her crush on him was

feelings away, and he admired her for

outside is nothing unusual. Queenie doesn't know you're

Jarrod wants?" Elodie lifted

to leave,

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

he just stood by as she sunk

others were chatting as

Mount Serene had been pure chance. From this encounter, he'd learned that Sylvie and Queenie were close-they'd only

Any plans to tie the knot?" Ivan asked with a

be siblings, watched him carefully,

offered his best wishes to Sylvie and Jarrod, as

one understood men better

set down his teacup, his

smiled graciously. "My dad's been pushing

paused, Elodie's face flashing across his mind. He hesitated before replying, "With your blessing, Mr. Silverstein, I promise

Octavia was growing