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

had shown up-looking intimately connected to Alexander, no

just happened to unfold right in front

meant it couldn't possibly be a coincidence

Sterling didn't meet with me today," she said

turned toward her. "What do you

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

unsaid. "She's whispered

type to let a pretty face cloud his

matter. My abilities will

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

gaze drifting back to Elodie

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

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

felt light and easy these days. Free,

half past nine when Jarrod returned

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

hesitated. Elodie used to

"Yes," he said curtly.

bath. Jarrod followed, loosening his

the bed casting a warm glow. He

the bathroom just as

"Has Mrs. Hargrove come

paused,

past few