How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Elodie hadn't expected this turn of events, but she couldn't say she was surprised.

An event this important-of course Jarrod wouldn't pass up the chance to polish Sylvie's reputation for all to see.

Still...

"I'm sorry, Alex. You went to all this trouble for nothing." Elodie felt a pang of guilt for dragging Alexander into the ongoing feud between her, Jarrod, and Sylvie.

It would've helped VistaLink Technologies if she'd been given the spotlight, but Jarrod hadn't offered her that chance.

Alexander frowned, but tried to reassure her. "Don't worry about it. Our seats are right next to Mr. Patrick. There'll be plenty of time to talk, and we'll have other chances to network."

But just as they were about to find their seats, a staff member approached Elodie and said, "I'm sorry, Ms. Thorne. There's been a change in the guest list. Your seat has been reassigned to Table Two. Thank you for understanding."

Elodie glanced up.

Her original spot in the front row was now occupied-Sylvie sat there, already settled in.

Next to Sylvie, Jarrod sipped his tea, utterly nonchalant, not even sparing Elodie a glance.

It had been her seat. He'd handed it over to Sylvie without the slightest effort or hint of remorse.

The staffer looked at Elodie with genuine apology.

Elodie pressed her lips together. "That's fine."

Alexander, still caught up at the front with some VIPS, didn't notice what was happening; she had no intention of making a scene.

Besides, Alexander belonged up front-his own achievements earned him the seat, and having Charlie, the renowned aerospace scientist, as a father didn't hurt. He belonged in that circle.

nobody Alexander had brought along-a face no one

could see what Jarrod was doing: he wanted Sylvie in the spotlight, and with his status, no one would refuse him. Compared to "Alexander's

know what

day preparing, hoping to pitch her ideas to someone like Mr. Patrick-now, that

Table Two, she noticed Maurice

his phone, eyes flickering over Elodie's dress— remarkably

a quiet, mocking

he looked away, absorbed in

wasn't here to sabotage them-she was here to join them?

Was

How ridiculous.

Maurice's attitude,

lights began

slipped out to

her forehead, feeling the beginnings of a fever, and a dull ache twisted in her stomach. Even walking felt unsteady-she just wanted a quiet

run into Joseph outside

for conversation, Elodie tried to brush past

as she did, a sharp pain shot through her abdomen, making her knees buckle for

reacted instantly, catching her arm. "Are

pulled away without hesitation. "Thank

watching her with pursed lips.

just going to

paused, looked him in the eye, and said frankly, "Yes. I don't like any

She was blunt-too blunt.

aback, caught

there in a daze when Elodie disappeared into the