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?"

a heart attack, you'd better bring Elodie home tomorrow. That's not

for a reply,

He opened his messages, stared

was already eleven

sleep when the phone rang. Her sleep schedule was always steady rarely did

unfailingly patient. No matter when he called or what he needed, she never snapped or refused, even if

about her-she never demanded

little groggy,

"Can you come back to Silverstein Mansion with me

a little more

Silverstein Mansion? Was he finally going to tell his grandmother

She didn't hesitate. "Sure."

to pick

need. I'll drive

immediately, no hesitation-almost as if he'd expected her answer and didn't want to risk a second

dwell on

as they could be honest with his grandmother,

her work, Elodie drove

wasn't home yet. His grandmother greeted her at the door, immediately taking

gentle smile. "Just

his grandmother still fretted. "I'll have our family doctor look you over,