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.

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

and she had no intention of dignifying them with

practiced ease,

you, Jarrod's going to scold me for not being a gentleman. He's always looking out

Jarrod and couldn't help but laugh. "You're

in their own world—a circle outsiders couldn't penetrate. Especially Sylvie: relaxed, radiant, and so self-assured that even Elodie's presence didn't faze her. That effortless charm was magnetic, even to someone

interest in their banter. She was about to call Alexander to ask where Mr. Patrick

Mr. Patrick stepping out of another shuttle, heading straight for Jarrod's group. In that instant,

club belongs to Mr. Delacroix," Mr. Patrick said warmly.

hadn't expected such an impromptu get-together, but she nodded.

knew them all

then you'll feel right at home. Come,

could carry herself with poise, her expression

the others. Elodie

waiter arrived with refreshments. Elodie, having had nothing to eat or drink since leaving work,