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.

his lips. "You really have grown up, Elodie. There was a time

her crush on him was no secret

tuck those feelings away, and he

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

Jarrod wants?"

leave, offering

cold wind biting at her skin. Elodie drew a

never let anyone hurt her-now he just stood by as

and the others were chatting as if

Mount Serene had been pure chance. From this

at your side. Any plans to tie the knot?"

and Elodie were supposed to be siblings, watched him carefully, a faint smile

didn't care. Instead, he offered his best wishes to Sylvie

one understood

Jarrod set down his teacup, his tone cool and unhurried. "Perhaps I should

dad's been pushing for

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

Octavia was