How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Alexander arched an eyebrow, glancing in Elodie's direction before speaking at an unhurried pace. "You flatter me, truly. I'm not the developer of U.N2. At best, I was a witness and played a small part."

The confession left those nearby visibly stunned.

Questions erupted at once.

Alexander simply waved them off. "Apologies, but I can't say more."

Just as he managed to send the curious on their way, he realized Jarrod and his group had arrived at some point-and they'd clearly overheard everything.

Maurice looked the most shaken. "You mean to say U.N2 wasn't developed by Mr. Sterling? If not you, who else could it possibly be?"

Sylvie was just as surprised.

They'd always assumed the brilliant young mind behind U.N2 was someone like Alexander-after all, no one else in their generation could compare. On top of that, he was the only son of Dr. Charlie Sterling, which only cemented their belief. Everything pointed to Alexander.

"Are you joking, Mr. Sterling?" Sylvie's voice carried a note of disbelief, though she managed a polite smile. "There's no one else in our field with your reputation."

Jarrod watched Alexander with a thoughtful, unreadable gaze, withholding comment for the moment.

Grady, standing nearby, frowned. "Come on, Mr. Sterling. Don't sell yourself short. We all know U.N2 is military-grade tech. I can't believe you're not at the heart of it."

Alexander's attention shifted to Sylvie. He looked her up and down, subtle but unmistakable, and replied, "I'm telling the truth."

sucked in a

thought they knew upside

who in the world could

a loss. "Then, Mr. Sterling, could you perhaps

cryptic smile.

the person they sought was standing right in front of them. Unfortunately,

her way back. As she drew closer,

But then-

her gaze

turned, and Sylvie

a moment, a hush fell

confusion, broke the silence. "Elodie, did you realize you're wearing the same

fell on the

the same pale

darkened instantly; her

show up in the exact same designer dress. There

something flickering in his dark

way Jarrod's brow had creased

situation left her feeling awkward as well, especially at an event like this. "Just a coincidence," she

all people, it's Sylvie you match

polite smile had all but

To pull a stunt like this at such a