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

with his status, no one would refuse him. Compared to "Alexander's company underling," Elodie was the

didn't know what she

night and day preparing, hoping to pitch her ideas

she sat down at Table Two, she

his phone, eyes flickering

a quiet, mocking

absorbed

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

Was it

How ridiculous.

couldn't care less about Maurice's attitude, and

began

stood and slipped out to the

wasn't feeling well. She touched 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

expect to run

conversation, Elodie tried to

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

catching her

pulled away without hesitation. "Thank you," she said

watching her with pursed lips. "Have I done

really just going

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

She was blunt-too blunt.

was taken aback, caught off

still standing there in a daze when Elodie disappeared into the