How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Joseph kept quiet, but he couldn't fully disagree with Maurice's take.

Maurice turned to Jarrod, conviction in his voice. "Look, I honestly think Elodie's just competing with Sylvie. Sylvie's into drones, so Elodie pretends to be interested too. Sylvie likes Alexander, so Elodie joins VistaLink Technologies. Bottom line? She just wants your attention!"

He prided himself on understanding women's little games.

A woman starved for love will act up, make a scene-he'd seen it all before.

Jarrod said nothing. At that moment, his phone rang. It was his grandmother. He stood up and stepped outside to take the call.

"Still awake this late, Grandma?"

She snorted. "And you? Shouldn't you be with Elodie right now?"

Jarrod pinched the bridge of his nose. "Got caught up with work."

"Don't give me that!" she snapped. "You think I don't hear the rumors? I know exactly who you've been spending time with lately. Is this how you think a married man should behave?"

Jarrod looked up, sighing. "Who told you that?"

"So you admit it!" she huffed indignantly. "Jarrod! Elodie's a wonderful girl. If you let her down, don't you fear divine retribution?"

He sounded almost amused. "Is it really that serious?"

angrier. "If you don't want to give me a heart attack, you'd better bring Elodie home tomorrow. That's not

waiting for a reply, she

moment, one hand in his pocket. He opened his messages, stared at Elodie's chat, then backed out and

already eleven

just drifted off to sleep when the phone rang. Her sleep schedule was always steady rarely did she stay up late.

she never snapped or refused, even if she was annoyed. She'd just swallow her feelings, then go right back to trying

never had to worry about her-she never

little

steady, almost flat. "Can you come back to Silverstein Mansion

herself a little

Was he finally going to tell

She didn't hesitate. "Sure."

to pick you

need. I'll drive

answer and didn't want to risk a second

dwell

long as they could be honest with his grandmother,

once she'd wrapped up her work, Elodie

at the door, immediately taking her hands. "You've lost weight!

her hands back, offering a gentle smile. "Just been busy. Nothing

family doctor look