How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Elodie arched an eyebrow. "A business trip?"

Alexander gave a low chuckle. "The Fairview Crossing Aerospace Technology Conference-held every two years. The big names are all there, from across the country and around the world, not to mention all the major investors. So, what do you say? Interested?"

Elodie knew about the conference. For nearly a decade, Fairview Crossing had hosted this event, now one of the most prestigious in the field. Only the best engineers and technical experts received an invitation-it was the place to learn, exchange ideas, and network.

Opportunities like this didn't come around often.

"I have a hunch my father might attend. Why not take the chance to talk to him? Today or tomorrow, let Esme help you pick out a dress-put it on the company card," Alexander said grandly.

At that, Esmeralda's earlier gloom evaporated. "Leave it to me! I guarantee you, Mr. Sterling's date will steal the show!"

Without hesitation, Esmeralda swung the car toward the largest shopping mall in the city.

But after combing through the racks, she was unimpressed. The most expensive dresses in the stores barely cost a few thousand, hardly worthy of Elodie, in her opinion.

After two hours of searching, Esmeralda made up her mind. She'd lend Elodie her own showstopper-the dress she'd just had shipped in from abroad.

She made the call, and soon the dress was on its way.

pale lavender mermaid gown, the fabric as luminous and airy as morning mist, the fitted waistline accentuating

it and be the

Esmeralda's

the trip to Fairview Crossing, Alexander's

paused for a moment before tucking it away in the

flew out a day

staying at the Bvlgari, a five- star hotel, and Alexander escorted her

did Elodie

someone greeted her. "Elodie?

turned to see Maurice, dragging

a once-over, then nodded to Alexander. "Mr.

companies attended, too. With so many investment projects involved, running

replied with a polite

raised an eyebrow, glancing at Elodie.

and he'd given it to Elodie, who barely knew

other key members

Elodie is more than enough," Alexander replied