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.

a nobody Alexander had brought along-a face no one

in the spotlight, and with his status, no one would refuse him. Compared to "Alexander's company

know what she was

spent all night and day preparing, hoping to pitch her ideas to someone like Mr. Patrick-now, that chance

at Table Two, she noticed Maurice

flickering over Elodie's

out a quiet, mocking

he looked away, absorbed in his screen

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

outfits? Was it really

How ridiculous.

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

lights began

slipped out

forehead, feeling the beginnings of a fever, and

run

in the mood for conversation, Elodie tried to

sharp pain shot through her abdomen,

catching her arm. "Are

without hesitation.

her with pursed lips.

going to

eye, and said frankly, "Yes. I don't

She was blunt-too blunt.

taken aback,

a daze when Elodie disappeared into the