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.

feeling that Grady's

long had Elodie even been in the

this remarkable, how had Sylvie never even

latched on to Grady's skepticism. The tightness in her chest,

room faltered, a hush falling

turned to

eyebrows twitched ever so slightly as he

eyes narrowed. "Then tell us," he said

Grady's frown deepened. "Professor,

don't mean to dampen

knows Elodie became your student just recently, and then this paper appeared almost immediately. If she's this brilliant, why has no one ever heard of

tension in

hear what he was

was accusing Elodie of academic

Grady, are you doubting Elodie

"Professor, would never suggest anything of the sort. I only want to know: Elodie's barely started in this field. How could she possibly have written a paper that's already making waves in

too, began to consider

couldn't Elodie have had Mr. Sterling help her write