How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Elodie and Alexander stood together, deep in conversation. Whatever they were discussing, it was impossible to miss the matching scarves wrapped around their necks-clearly a couple's set.

Really, what sort of "just friends" wear matching scarves like that?

From across the room, Jarrod glanced up and watched them.

Elodie reached out and patted Alexander's back, the gesture easy and familiar, their closeness hard to ignore.

Maurice let out a cold laugh. "I really underestimated her. She may not have any real skills, but she's certainly an expert when it comes to men."

Even Joseph frowned, casting Elodie another curious look.

He remembered the way she'd looked at him that day-cold and full of contempt. Compared to the warmth in her eyes when she looked at Alexander, it was obvious she felt very differently about the two men.

"If they're not involved, then how does she even know Alexander?" Maurice muttered, still unable to figure it out.

Alexander's company, VistaLink Technologies, had only just stabilized its footing, but his background was solid and his abilities ranked him at the very top of the field. Someone like Elodie shouldn't even have the chance to cross paths with him, let alone get close.

"Jarrod?" Maurice turned to him.

Jarrod glanced at his watch, his tone indifferent. "I'll take Sylvie home."

Sylvie, lost in thought, lingered a moment.

Jarrod had brought her here tonight to meet the industry's elite, and just by

intimately connected

happened to unfold right in front

couldn't

didn't meet with me

and Joseph turned toward

"If Elodie knows Mr. Sterling, then it

left unsaid. "She's whispered something in Alexander's ear because she can't let go of what happened

the type to let a pretty face cloud his judgment," Joseph said,

matter. My abilities will speak

grinned, giving her a thumbs-up. "That's our

stayed silent, his gaze drifting back to

she didn't turn around. She knew it was Jarrod, but she

dropped Alexander off at his apartment. He'd had a bit to drink and, still wrapped in his scarf, waved her off before heading upstairs.

light and easy these days. Free,

returned to the house he and Elodie

duty and hurried over to take his coat. "Sir,

used to take care of

"Yes," he said curtly.

upstairs to prepare the bath. Jarrod followed, loosening his tie as

only the lamp beside the bed casting

housekeeper exited the bathroom just as he entered the

narrowed his eyes. "Has

paused, unsure. "Mrs.

home these past