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

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

know what

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

at Table Two, she noticed

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

out a

absorbed

them-she was here to join them?

Was

How ridiculous.

less about Maurice's attitude, and she ignored him

lights began to

and slipped out

feeling well. She touched her forehead, feeling the beginnings of a fever, and a dull ache twisted in her stomach.

to run into Joseph outside

for conversation, Elodie tried

shot through her abdomen, making her knees buckle for

reacted instantly, catching her arm. "Are you

pulled away without hesitation. "Thank you,"

with pursed lips. "Have I done something

going to

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

She was blunt-too blunt.

taken aback, caught off

was still standing there in a daze when Elodie disappeared into the