How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Jarrod lowered his gaze to his phone, saying nothing.

Sylvie arched an eyebrow but didn't bother to explain herself.

Only Maurice clapped him on the shoulder. "She wouldn't dare."

Elodie's eyes were only for Jarrod. She would never, not in a million years, even think about betraying him.

Grady looked confused. "What do you mean?"

Maurice just smiled, leaving it at that.

Alexander actually did have plans-he was meeting with a professor.

Before leaving, he fussed over her, reminding her, "The hotel restaurant's pasta and sushi are both excellent. Try them if you get the chance, and I'll bring you some candied fruit when I get back tonight."

Elodie couldn't help but laugh. "Alright."

After all these years, Alexander had always been attentive and thoughtful. He knew her likes and dislikes better than most.

Elodie was staying in an executive suite. After she finished unpacking, she found her mind wandering to Jarrod and his group.

This floor housed the executive suites; above them were the presidential suites. Jarrod and Sylvie were probably staying upstairs, she guessed.

But she didn't dwell on it.

When lunchtime rolled around, Elodie took her phone and headed downstairs to eat.

all polished wood and soft lighting. She picked a table by the window and, dining alone, ordered just a plate of

and the others came down, they immediately spotted

conversation and laughter, but she sat alone— impossible not to

She looked so solitary.

Elodie noticed them too.

moment, then lowered

fraught and complicated; it was best to keep

Elodie, then looked away, following

Jarrod. "Don't you think she looks a little pathetic over there, eating alone?

her hands,

studying the menu, expression cool and

Sylvie smiled

Exactly as she expected.

of the time, he didn't even bother to

Maurice got the message.

Fair enough.

would just

Elodie joined them, it'd be

following, chimed in, "I really don't see the point. Last time Sylvie went to VistaLink, Elodie left

on the menu. "Two of these. Send one over

looked over at Elodie's table.

Sylvie blinked in surprise.

But then she understood.