How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Elodie had just finished reviewing the document and switched off her phone.

Grady watched her, his expression a mix of emotions. Ever since he'd learned that Elodie was Mrs. Silverstein, old memories came flooding back-awkward ones, mostly, and a growing sense of sympathy for Sylvie. No wonder Elodie had always targeted Sylvie, always making things difficult for her.

"Ms. Fielding's latest paper just got published in a top journal," Grady said, seizing the chance to defend Sylvie. "Elodie, maybe you could learn a thing or two from her."

Sylvie's mind drifted back to when Elodie was still in New York, hopelessly lost during their academic discussions-like a student reading a foreign language.

Still, Sylvie kept her composure, chin lifted, and said nothing.

Elodie merely flicked her gaze toward Grady, but before she could reply, Alexander returned from chatting with a few acquaintances. He'd caught the tail end of the conversation and said, "No wonder Esmeralda once mentioned wanting a paternity test. You work so hard, but have you ever gotten a single word of praise from Ms. Fielding? Maybe she needs a refresher course on positive reinforcement."

Sylvie's brow furrowed.

Grady's face darkened. "Mr. Sterling, I was just giving Elodie some friendly advice. Is that so wrong?"

Sylvie added, "Mr. Sterling, I'd appreciate it if you didn't speculate about my professional relationship with Mr. Mercer."

Alexander dusted off his sleeve, feigning sudden realization. "Fair enough. After all, these days you're working for Elodie's 'husband.""

Sylvie's expression turned icy.

Jarrod returned and slipped quietly into his seat,

comment had

Charlie arriving at the door and immediately remembered to go greet him. Standing up, she momentarily lost her balance— heels too high,

reached for the back of her chair, but before she could steady herself, a hand appeared right on time, supporting her wrist and

turned to see Jarrod, eyes still on his phone, glancing up

touch me" in front of

exchange didn't go unnoticed; several people in the room shot

into a thin line, a chill flickering in her

acted on pure reflex; he calmly withdrew his hand and returned to

him with a polite, "Professor," his face relaxed a little. He looked around, hands tucked behind his back,

"This

Elodie."

rare for Charlie to introduce a student so openly, and the crowd quickly acknowledged her with friendly

cold scoff sounded from

Waldron Ferguson stride over, eyeing Charlie and Elodie. "Quite the golden

bluntness; no one expected him

look. "You've been awfully flashy lately. Always at the center

a clear barb in his

better than to

But-