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.

he had never once worn it. Now, her lips 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 was never

emotion, but

were making their way

eyes flickered to

caught the look. The three of them wore nearly identical shades, but

a glance, focusing instead on Alexander and

them, "Mr. Patrick, Mr.

Jarrod, curiosity piqued. "And who's

is Sylvie. She specializes in aerospace research and just earned her

with effortless poise, never once acknowledging Elodie, not even

A deliberate, calculated distance.

raised his brows. "So

smiled graciously. "You're

seemed genuinely interested. "Why don't you join me for

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

turned to Alexander. "Let's catch up in a

Jarrod playing at? He'd cut in at the last moment-just as Alexander was about to introduce Elodie and give her a much-needed chance to reestablish herself. Jarrod had swept in with

hard to come by. My previous offer still stands—perhaps you should reconsider. Sylvie won't let

quietly, then turned to