How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

For once, a rare smile flickered across Charlie's face.

He made no effort to hide his pride.

Around them, the seasoned veterans who had managed to maintain their dignified airs until now-couldn't help showing their delight. One after another, they crowded around Elodie, eager to strike up a conversation. She found herself at the center of attention, basking in a glow that seemed to dim everything else in the room.

Sylvie could only stare, stunned, as this scene—something she'd never even imagined-unfolded right before her eyes. She sat rigid, uncertain how to compose herself, unsure what expression might help her keep her composure. Her fingers grew cold as she gripped the edge of her seat.

It took Grady a moment to recover from his own shock. The sound of applause, the buzz of students excitedly discussing what they'd just witnessed-every bit of it underscored the same thing: in everyone's eyes, Elodie was exceptional, a rare talent.

But Grady's gaze kept drifting to Sylvie, concerned for how she must be feeling. When he looked over, Sylvie's face was nearly expressionless.

Grady's jaw tightened. He stood, fixing his attention on Elodie. "I have a question," he said, his voice cutting through the hum of conversation. "Elodie, when did you actually write this paper?"

Heads turned in his direction, the interruption unmistakable.

Elodie met his eyes, calm and unruffled, waiting for him to continue.

Grady's brow furrowed. "From what everyone is saying, this paper is flawless- truly outstanding. But Elodie's only just entered the field. She switched tracks less than six months ago, and already she's at the top of the industry? She's not Ms. Fielding, someone who's climbed every rung through years of systematic training. But now, Elodie's published in a journal even more prestigious than Ms. Fielding ever has?"

Sylvie pressed her lips together, silent.

she couldn't help feeling that Grady's doubts

Elodie even

remarkable, how had Sylvie

The tightness in

room faltered, a

eyes turned

slightly as

sharp eyes narrowed. "Then tell us," he said coolly, "what

Grady's frown deepened. "Professor,

to

caliber? Everyone knows Elodie

in the

could hear what he

accusing Elodie

only chuckled. "So, Grady, are you doubting Elodie or

to know: Elodie's barely started in this field. How could she possibly have written a paper that's already making

to consider the

on her own work, then why couldn't Elodie have had Mr. Sterling help her write a paper-one