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.

a table by the window and, dining alone, ordered just a plate of pasta and

and the others came down, they immediately spotted Elodie, sitting

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

She looked so solitary.

Elodie noticed them too.

for a moment, then lowered her

they didn't want her company. The whole situation was fraught and complicated; it was best

glanced at Elodie, then looked away, following Jarrod to

a little pathetic over there, eating alone? Maybe we should invite her

paused, wiping her hands, and glanced

was studying the menu, expression cool and

Sylvie smiled

Exactly as she expected.

time, he didn't even bother

Maurice got the message.

Fair enough.

would just be

joined them, it'd

Sylvie

to a signature dish on the menu. "Two of these. Send one over to that

waiter looked over at Elodie's table.

Sylvie blinked in surprise.

But then she understood.