How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

"Ms. Thorne, a pleasure." The gentleman greeted Elodie with polite formality, but nothing more. He exchanged no professional pleasantries, merely acknowledged her and turned away, launching into a spirited conversation with Alexander about the future of the industry and the latest waves of technological change.

In this field, it was mostly men, and so the women were, inevitably, sidelined. Prejudice always seemed to get there first.

Elodie had expected as much. She remained composed, listening quietly as the men talked shop.

Alexander leaned over to her, lowering his voice. "See that man in the gray suit by the main entrance? He's a senior official. Getting the inside scoop on upcoming policy is crucial, and he's the key player tonight. We need to make a strong impression."

Elodie hadn't realized there would be people of such stature here. Suddenly, the true value of this evening became clear. Alexander led her through the crowd toward the gray-suited man.

The official noticed Alexander approaching and greeted him warmly, "Mr. Sterling, it's been far too long."

But before Alexander could introduce Elodie, a commotion rippled from the entrance.

Elodie turned her head in time to see Sylvie gliding in on Jarrod's arm, exchanging elegant greetings with the small circles forming around them.

The moment Jarrod entered, the powerful men who'd been mingling with effortless confidence moments earlier now turned, delighted, and moved toward him and Sylvie.

Elodie couldn't help but notice what the pair were wearing. Sylvie's dress was a striking shade of green, not unlike Elodie's own, its neckline studded with a cascade of glittering stones that shimmered under the chandeliers. Even Jarrod's pocket square was an exact match for Sylvie's gown.

It was a subtle, unmistakable display of unity.

twisted into a wry, self-mocking smile. Her vision blurred for a moment. Three years-was she the punchline, or was it just that

She hadn't betrayed any emotion, but still, something about her

became clear Jarrod and Sylvie were making their way

his eyes flickered to Elodie's

but in this context, it only made Elodie

focusing instead on Alexander and the senior

them, "Mr. Patrick, Mr.

Jarrod, curiosity piqued. "And who's this with

She specializes in aerospace research and just earned her PhD abroad. She's exceptional-truly

not even with a nod. He acted as if

A deliberate, calculated distance.

his brows. "So

graciously. "You're too kind, Mr.

me for a chat later? I'd like to

one would dare underestimate Sylvie. Mr. Patrick, in fact, seemed to believe that anyone Jarrod valued

he turned to Alexander. "Let's catch up in a bit." Alexander nodded politely, but once Mr. Patrick moved on, his expression

as Alexander was about to introduce Elodie and give her a much-needed chance to reestablish

is hard to come by. My previous offer still

quietly, then turned to Alexander. "Mr. Sterling, I promise