How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 360

Joseph understood Elodie's unspoken meaning almost immediately.

The reason The Delacroix Group secured the patent so smoothly had nothing to do with VistaLink Technologies doing him any favors. It was simply because he'd once helped Elodie. After this, though, there'd be no more goodwill.

He looked at her calm, composed face, fully aware that her recent politeness wasn't genuine friendship. He took a long moment before nodding. "I understand."

He'd known from the very beginning that Elodie would never see him as anything more than a business associate. Being Jarrod's friend, what did he really expect? The truth was, even if something ever did happen between him and Elodie, he doubted he could handle it. He'd known Jarrod for more than a decade-there was no way he'd throw away that friendship, nor would he risk burning bridges with The Silverstein Group.

Yet people always hope for the impossible, convincing themselves they can somehow have it all, even when they know better. In circles like theirs, where everyone was raised to prioritize personal gain and elite advantage, who really risked everything for love? Who would jeopardize their standing or throw away a comfortable future for a woman?

He admired remarkable women, but Elodie was his friend's wife. That was the line. He would never cross it.

And, of course, he knew he'd never been among Elodie's options anyway.

Joseph stood, fixing his gaze on her. He extended his hand. "Ms. Thorne, thank you for giving The Delacroix Group this opportunity."

of his inner turmoil, Elodie shook his hand lightly. "No need

let go, having made his choice. "If Freya ever runs into trouble, would

a soft spot

nor did he linger. He left VistaLink Technologies and returned to

Joseph had gone,

a message from Watts Aldridge—the first he'd ever sent since they'd added each

if you'd be available sometime soon-I'd like to invite you to lunch on behalf

was a major

Mr.

both requested meetings for today. Malcom Harcourt and his son Ivan aren't even really in this industry-

from her

"Already did. Just thought I'd

person

Elodie didn't comment.