How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

It was obvious now-Jarrod and his group had come out here to celebrate New Year's Eve with Joseph.

Elodie finally understood why Jarrod had turned down his grandmother's

suggestion to come out for the festivities together. He'd already made plans with Sylvie.

Sylvie, in Jarrod's eyes, was always his top priority.

No one understood this better than Elodie.

Alexander could hear the edge in Octavia's voice, but he simply glanced over at Jarrod. "Mr. Silverstein, what a coincidence. We're here for a team retreat, and you all happened to pick the same spot."

His tone was light-making it clear that Elodie hadn't crashed their plans on purpose.

After all, this was their company outing. It was pure chance the groups had run into each other. Was Elodie really to blame?

Jarrod looked up. "We decided to come last minute, actually. Really is quite the coincidence."

"Who knows if Elodie didn't just drag everyone here as an excuse..." Octavia muttered.

Maurice let out a short laugh. "Easy, sis. You're being a bit too sharp-you'll leave everyone with no way to save face."

didn't exactly buy

She greeted Alexander with cool composure, "Mr.

her signature graceful smile. Yet behind that warmth was a pride

with a

she saw no need to argue. She was certain her own accomplishments would change his

seemed completely detached from the drama-stood up and headed

She didn't even bother responding

Esmeralda had handled all the arrangements. "I'll check

her barbs, only grew more agitated. What was

Joseph from the tents, spotted Elodie's group. "Hey,

Elodie hesitated.

arched an eyebrow, watching her with a trace of

friends and family all rooting for the mistress's rise... It was

to join them for

hand. "Come on, you have to sit with

Elodie could protest, Freya had guided

directly across from Jarrod, their eyes likely to

hesitated, but in the end,