How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Elodie cast a cool, indifferent glance at Maurice.

Joseph glanced at Elodie, then said, "This really isn't something Ms. Thorne needs to handle."

This was work for the staff, not her.

Alexander and Elodie immediately understood what Maurice was getting at.

Just moments ago, Maurice had been singing Sylvie's praises, calling her a rising star, full of promise-and now, he was assigning Elodie these petty, menial tasks. The message couldn't have been clearer.

She and Sylvie were worlds apart.

Elodie knew all too well: ever since that scandal-climbing into Jarrod's bed, blackmailing a journalist, forcing a marriage-everyone here had looked at her with barely concealed disgust. To them, she was only fit to atone for her supposed sins.

Maurice tapped his forehead, feigning innocence. "No offense. I just thought, since Ms. Thorne was a homemaker for three years, she'd probably be more skilled than the rest of us."

Elodie couldn't help but glance at Jarrod.

Did he really not notice the way those around him belittled her?

But then, Jarrod had never cared about her feelings.

Just like now-he remained detached, as if none of this concerned him.

Because, in truth, he'd never really thought of her as his wife.

curled in a silent, chilly smile. She replied, "If you're having trouble with your hands, Mr. Nilsson, I'd be happy to

Maurice's smile froze.

back at him, out in the open. She was nothing like the

of embarrassment on Maurice's face, Elodie turned away- only to lock eyes with

was watching her. For a split second, a trace of a smile-wry, almost amused -flitted

quickly

Elodie was momentarily stunned.

Jarrod... just

one hand the

been able

was the first to break the awkward silence. He shot Maurice a look and said, "Mr. Nilsson,

to attention, suddenly

going to just take it lying

he had no intention of letting Alexander do such chores. "Mr.

obvious to everyone that Alexander

he actually... fond

Was Alexander interested

to figure him out. If this was just a normal boss-employee relationship, Alexander wouldn't go this far,

Alexander raised his glass and nodded coolly in Joseph's

to the undercurrents. She handed a skewer of mushrooms to Freya, who'd been quietly eating with her head down

observant-she noticed the little things,