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.

faint, knowing smile played at his lips. "You really have grown up, Elodie. There was a time when everyone in the Harcourt family knew how much you liked

on him was

away, and he admired her for

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

wants?"

turned to leave, offering

on the porch, the cold wind biting at her skin.

let any man mistreat her, never let anyone hurt her-now he just stood by as she sunk

returned, Jarrod and the others were

been pure chance. From this encounter, he'd

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

siblings, watched him carefully, a faint

of course, knew all about Jarrod and Elodie's marriage, but he didn't care. Instead, he offered his best wishes to Sylvie and Jarrod, as if he was

understood men better

anything, it's you who'll be celebrating soon, Mr. Harcourt." Jarrod set down his teacup, his tone cool and unhurried. "Perhaps I

graciously. "My dad's been

mind. He hesitated before replying, "With your

was