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.

Alexander had

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 company underling,"

what

all night and day preparing, hoping to pitch her ideas to

she sat down at Table Two,

eyes flickering over Elodie's dress—

out a quiet,

he looked away, absorbed in

them-she was

in matching outfits? Was it really

How ridiculous.

Maurice's attitude, and she ignored

lights began

stood and slipped

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

didn't expect to run into Joseph outside the

conversation, Elodie tried to

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

reacted instantly, catching her arm. "Are you

without hesitation. "Thank you,"

hesitated, watching her with pursed lips.

just going to ignore him

eye, and said frankly, "Yes.

She was blunt-too blunt.

was taken aback, caught

in a daze when Elodie disappeared into