How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

"Plus, the charity announced your joint donation last night. Talk about a complete turnaround in public opinion. You two are incredible." Esmeralda smacked her lips, feigning surprise. "Decided to be a decent human all of a sudden?"

Elodie wasn't surprised. Years in PR had taught her exactly which levers to pull for what effect.

Her mind drifted to the whole birth control incident. Even she felt a little dazed- people really were complicated, weren't they? No one was ever just good or bad.

"As long as things have settled down, that's what matters. What he thinks isn't important." Elodie grabbed a napkin and brushed a few pastry crumbs from Esmeralda's mouth, dismissing any further thoughts about Jarrod.

"Esmeralda, do I have anything else on my schedule today?" She shifted gears, opening her laptop and firing off the question.

With the situation handled, Esmeralda didn't dwell. She swallowed her last bite and replied, "Yep-you've got the competition stuff, and your new title as Chief Engineer for the U.N2 project. Big deal right now. The Aerospace Agency wants to meet, and there are a few higher-ups who'd like to see you, make some plans for what's next. There's also a dinner at six. Mr. Aldridge will be there too, since you two took first and second place."

Elodie was already in prep mode, ready to take on the next challenge.

These steps were simply necessary.

She nodded. "Alright, we'll head over together. Alex needs to follow up on Phase Two of the project."

"Perfect, I'll tag along for the VIP dinner."

With her projects mapped out and the rest of the year coming into focus, Elodie felt a rare sense of clarity.

and Esmeralda set off ahead of

discreet, tucked away atop a hill with panoramic views

parked, a voice called out from nearby.

to see Watts getting out of his car and striding

impossibly young, all porcelain skin and cherubic cheeks, lips pressed in a thin, determined line as she stared at

girl had never been good at

Lily

focusing on

was a new intensity in his eyes, something quietly burning. "Looks like we'll be seeing a lot more of each other from now on. Hope

Esmeralda along, ignoring her

You're far too modest, Mr.

Standing gnext to someone as talented as you, I can't help feeling out of my league." Watts strolled beside her, smiling openly,

warmth undiminished.

Elodie a look so loaded it might as well

side, not too hard, but enough to make Esmeralda yelp

taking in the scene, scowled and shot

the waiter to a private dining room with sweeping

she'd met before, and the project leads assigned from