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 me, and now you've learned to hide your

was no secret to anyone in

she could tuck those feelings away, and he admired her

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

wants?"

to leave, offering

porch, the cold wind biting at her skin. Elodie drew a deep breath and

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

returned, Jarrod and the others were

running into Jarrod at Mount Serene had been pure chance. From this encounter, he'd learned that Sylvie and Queenie were close-they'd only had dinner together the night

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

siblings,

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

one understood men

celebrating soon, Mr. Harcourt." Jarrod set down his teacup, his tone cool and unhurried. "Perhaps I should congratulate

smiled graciously. "My dad's been pushing

He hesitated before replying, "With your blessing, Mr. Silverstein, I promise

was