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 to Alexander, no

just happened to unfold right in front of

coincidences meant it couldn't possibly be

Mr. Sterling didn't meet with me today,"

Joseph turned toward her.

"If Elodie knows Mr. Sterling, then it all makes

"She's whispered something in Alexander's ear because she can't let go

a pretty face cloud his judgment,"

her head. "Doesn't matter. My abilities

her a thumbs-up. "That's our Sylvie-nothing if not

silent, his gaze drifting back

fixed on her, but she didn't turn around. She knew it was

his apartment. He'd had a bit to drink and, still wrapped in his scarf, waved her off before heading upstairs. Elodie watched him go, said nothing, and

light and easy these days.

returned to the house he

over to take his coat. "Sir, would you

hesitated. Elodie used to take care of

"Yes," he said curtly.

Jarrod followed, loosening his tie as he

dimly lit, only the lamp beside the bed casting a warm glow. He hadn't been

exited the bathroom just as he entered the

eyes. "Has Mrs. Hargrove come

housekeeper paused, unsure. "Mrs.

these past few days,"