How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Elodie finally looked up.

A thunderous round of applause broke out as a tall figure strode in briskly from the side entrance.

When she realized it was Dr. Charlie himself, Elodie immediately sat up straighter in her seat. Her palms grew damp with a nervousness she couldn't quite put into words.

He actually showed up.

As Dr. Charlie passed by, he glanced in Elodie's direction, then turned away with

a look of disappointment, saying nothing.

A bitter smile flickered across Elodie's face.

She understood how he must feel.

With Dr. Charlie seated, Elodie couldn't help but glance over-he'd chosen the seat right next to Jarrod.

Sylvie was there too, introducing herself with poise and shaking the doctor's hand.

Elodie was surprised.

All around her, people were whispering.

"I can't believe Dr. Charlie actually came. Wasn't there a rumor he wouldn't show up?"

a hushed voice. "But word is, Mr. Silverstein donated twenty million to the research

in this field. Of course he'd want her to meet the big

it's nothing! Twenty million, just like that. I've never heard of him treating

envy and amazement rippled through

Elodie heard every word.

her eyes,

twenty million just to bring Dr. Charlie here for

an upscale vintage hotel, which struggled for years with financial troubles. Back

but to sell it off a couple of

though it shouldn't have mattered anymore, the contrast now was painfully stark. Elodie gave a

seven, the symposium

the event to

already restless, tugged Elodie to her feet. "Come on, let's go meet my stubborn

lying if she

her toward Dr. Charlie,

Elodie hesitated.

forward, maintaining a formal tone as he addressed him, "Doctor, do you have a moment later to chat

here who doesn't want to talk to me? I've got to

that, he strode

Elodie wasn't surprised.

willing to give young people a chance. Years ago, he'd had high hopes for her, even reserved a spot for her in his graduate program. But she'd turned it down for marriage. After everything that