How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Queenie noticed Elodie and greeted her warmly. "Come join us. After all, we're all family here."

It made sense-technically, Queenie was Elodie's sister-in-law.

Ivan arched an eyebrow. "Well, my wife has spoken. Mr. Sterling, care to join us?"

Alexander glanced at Elodie.

She knew it would be awkward to refuse now, so she nodded at him.

They all took their seats.

Jarrod and Sylvie sat together on one side, Ivan and Queenie practically inseparable beside them. Elodie hesitated for a moment, unsure where to sit. Before she could decide, Mr. Ableson and another executive had already settled across from Ivan's group.

With no other option, Elodie sat opposite Jarrod and Sylvie.

Sylvie glanced at Elodie, her gaze lingering a moment longer than usual.

She had noticed Elodie's thoughtful hesitation. From the moment Elodie changed jobs and started working with Alexander, it had seemed inevitable that their paths would cross with hers and Jarrod's.

Was this Elodie's way of taking the long way around for her own goals?

The heavyweights at the table soon launched into a discussion about technology projects.

Elodie had no intention of joining in. She quietly focused on her meal.

just signed the contract

confidential details, Jarrod didn't seem to

had he already decided that she was his future

manager himself arrived with specialty drinks prepared by the chef as a gesture

bottles were passed around

left: one

for the taste of coconut

placed the mango juice in

crinkling. "You always remember what I like. You're the

Elodie's hand stilled midair.

help but recall all the times she'd adjusted her cooking to suit Jarrod's tastes—whether she cooked herself or Cara did, it was always about what Jarrod

probably never even knew

accurately, whether by choice or indifference, he'd never

picked up a bottle of coconut water and

naturally,

Ableson suddenly turned to Elodie and Alexander. "Ms. Thorne and

eyes shifted to

a look at Jarrod

answered calmly, "No, we're

surprised. "Oh, I see. My mistake. You

together. Ms. Thorne, you look