How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Watts's complete lack of restraint genuinely caught Elodie off guard for a moment.

He wasn't even trying to keep his voice down, so everyone nearby could clearly overhear their conversation.

Even Klein couldn't help glancing over. After a pause, he finally remarked, "Watts, you and Elodie seem pretty close."

He didn't really follow the details of these younger people's business, but Watts's tone definitely sounded familiar—almost intimate.

Jarrod watched Elodie, her expression as calm and composed as ever. Turning his head slightly, he responded to Klein in an unhurried tone, “Eldrion Global and VistaLink Technologies work together quite a bit.”

Realization dawned on Klein's face.

Watts shot Jarrod a look, then let out a belated laugh. "Yeah, Eldrion Global and VistaLink Technologies do have a lot of dealings with each other. We're about the same age, so it's only natural we got to know each other."

Elodie herself had no idea why Watts called her "sis," but, given how awkward things were today, she chose to sit with Watts. People would naturally wonder why she and Jarrod seemed so distant as a married couple—especially since there was a conveniently empty seat beside him.

But after what happened last night, she really had no interest in keeping up appearances by sitting next to Jarrod.

"Oh, look at that sunset! Isn't that sea of clouds just gorgeous? Mr. Aldridge really knows how to pick a spot. Come on, let's go take a look," Esmeralda chirped, looping her arm through Elodie's and steering her in the direction Watts had indicated.

was on Elodie's mind and decided to defuse the tension for her, playing

motion-there was no reason to

went along with it, settling

she flitted over to the floor- to-ceiling windows

the seat to Elodie's right was still empty. He glanced at her and pointed to

small nod

found

other

idly tracing the rim of his warm mug. He

had enough social acumen to sense the awkwardness. Not one for needless formalities, he turned to Jarrod and said, "Mr. Silverstein, how

Klein's straightforwardness. It wasn't often you saw a leader this

faint smile.

and shook his head. "I may be getting old, but I'm not blind. No sense in me forcing myself into

up. "Thank you, Mr.

two men swapped seats, and suddenly, Jarrod

left.

found herself sandwiched

How did I manage to land