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."

exactly

other hand, seemed entirely unbothered. She greeted Alexander with cool composure, "Mr. Sterling, fancy meeting

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

of causing a public scene. He simply returned her greeting with a polite, insincere smile.

paused, understanding his implication. Still, she saw no need to argue. She was certain her own accomplishments would change

at Elodie—who seemed completely detached from the drama-stood up and headed toward the

to conclusions about her, Elodie merely drew her gaze away. She didn't even bother responding to Octavia, but instead turned to Alexander. "Did we reserve a spot at the

all the arrangements. "I'll check with Esme,"

unruffled Elodie was by her barbs, only grew more agitated. What was

called over by Joseph from the tents, spotted Elodie's group. "Hey, come join us! There's loads of space here—we can

Elodie hesitated.

arched an eyebrow, watching her with

a crowd of friends and family all rooting for the mistress's

wanted to join them for dinner at

over, grabbing her hand.

Freya had guided her

was awkward-she found herself sitting directly across from Jarrod, their eyes likely to meet at any

hesitated, but in the end, decided not