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.

wry, self-mocking smile. Her vision blurred for a moment. Three years-was she the punchline,

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

and Sylvie were making their way toward

eyes flickered to Elodie's dress-he

them wore nearly identical shades, but in

spared Elodie a glance, focusing instead on Alexander and the senior

them, "Mr.

turned to Jarrod, curiosity piqued. "And who's this with you, Mr.

in aerospace research and just earned her PhD

Elodie, not even with a nod. He acted

A deliberate, calculated distance.

Patrick raised his brows.

"You're

for a chat later?

underestimate Sylvie. Mr. Patrick, in fact, seemed to believe that anyone

mood, he turned to Alexander. "Let's catch up in a bit." Alexander nodded politely, but once

Jarrod playing at? He'd cut in at the last moment-just as Alexander was about to introduce Elodie and give

come by. My previous offer still stands—perhaps

at Elodie, who stood quietly, then turned to Alexander.