How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 198

Elodie heard Maurice's "joke," but her petite face remained unreadable.

They must have misunderstood, she thought, assuming she'd come here on purpose, having known in advance they'd be at the club.

Jarrod didn't seem to care about Elodie's arrival at all. He merely turned back to Joseph, picking up their previous conversation without sparing her a glance.

Joseph, however, looked over at Elodie standing off to the side. She seemed... a little stranded, almost defenseless.

"Come on, you're already here. Why stand over there by yourself? Join us." Maurice offered the invitation, his tone friendly.

Now that she was here, it would be rude to just leave her hanging, he thought. No need to make it seem like they were being deliberately unwelcoming.

Sylvie, on the other hand, barely reacted to Elodie's appearance.

Mr. Patrick had already told her and Jarrod about VistaLink Technologies' decision —not to form a new development team and not to bring in anyone new.

Of course, Sylvie understood the real reason. It wasn't that VistaLink didn't need fresh talent; it was because Elodie was in the way.

no real sway over company decisions, but if she badmouthed Sylvie to Alexander, he might be influenced

couldn't stand these kinds of underhanded tactics, and she had no

with practiced ease, ignoring Elodie entirely. "Maurice,

a grin, swaggering over. "If I beat you, Jarrod's going to scold me for not being a gentleman. He's always looking out

Jarrod and couldn't help but laugh.

and so self-assured that even Elodie's presence didn't faze her. That

Alexander to ask where Mr. Patrick was when a voice behind her spoke up. "Ms.

out of another shuttle, heading straight for Jarrod's group. In that instant, she realized

belongs to Mr. Delacroix," Mr. Patrick said warmly. "He suggested we all join up. Ms. Thorne, you know everyone here,

impromptu get-together, but she

them? She knew them all too

at home. Come, sit with us." Mr. Patrick waved

carry herself with

the others.

refreshments. Elodie, having had nothing to eat or drink since leaving work, ignored the group's chatter and sipped her