How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 117

Elodie hadn't even spoken yet when Sylvie's voice came through the phone, cool and composed: "Who's this?"

Elodie's words caught in her throat, suddenly dry and impossible to swallow.

Jarrod hadn't saved her number with a name in his phone? So she showed up as just another unknown caller?

She stared down at her feet and asked quietly, "Is Jarrod there?"

"He's right here, but I'm afraid he's too busy for you today," Sylvie replied, her tone unhurried, almost amused.

The calm certainty in Sylvie's voice made it clear: in her eyes, Elodie was just the kind of "other woman" meant to be kept in the shadows, easily dismissed at a moment's notice.

Elodie's brow furrowed.

Before she could reply, she heard Keith's voice in the background: "Ms. Fielding, the bakery called. They're asking if we should deliver the cake now."

Without hesitation, Elodie ended the call.

She stood rooted to the spot, her face pale. After a long moment, she pressed a hand to her abdomen, rubbing gently as a wave of discomfort worsened.

There was nothing left to confirm. Keith was handling the cake, which meant Jarrod had given the instructions himself.

spared her feelings-not for a moment. He hadn't even tried to show her a shred of

helplessness dragged her down, making

check. When she finally returned to the front garden, she wore a calm, neutral

Ivan, standing beneath the cypress trees, stubbed out his

Silverstein Group.

back on the desk when Jarrod returned from the conference room. He crossed the office in long strides, glancing at his watch. "You haven't

go together. Unless

had already picked out a thoughtful gift days ago. Sylvie could tell he genuinely cared. He'd even arranged for the

have dinner together

"You go ahead. I have some things I need to

her usual gentle grace.

the stack of

it carefully by Jarrod's hand. "This is a tie my mother picked out especially for you. Today's a special day-l thought you could wear it

black silk with a subtle red pattern, the red standing out boldly against the dark

"Let

Sylvie smiled, satisfied. "Alright."

entered. "Mr. Silverstein, I've rescheduled your appointments for today. When

signs of emotion, but there was

Ms. Fielding; Elodie's absence wouldn't matter. She'd always been the one to