How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

He couldn't help but feel a little regret about the whole thing-his own son didn't even have half a chance now.

"Elodie, Charlie and I have already submitted the recommendation letters ahead of time, and all the necessary procedures still need to be followed. There's also another round of background checks."

Elodie understood perfectly well that any department handling this would be extremely strict.

Background checks were an essential step.

She nodded. "Understood. I'll get my part submitted as soon as possible."

As the conversation turned to the background check, Jarrod tapped thoughtfully on the table. Of course he knew this was part of the process. If things went quickly, they'd have the results by next month.

The other leaders at the table were here today mostly for Elodie and Jarrod; over tea, the conversation kept circling back to what would happen next.

Once most of the food had been served and Klein had had a couple glasses of wine, he glanced at Jarrod. "Mr. Silverstein," he began, "with such an outstanding wife, you'd better cherish her. No wandering eyes."

Klein, in truth, had always liked Elodie better. He'd seen that woman named

Sylvie tagging along with Jarrod at industry events, and there'd been rumors. With such a good woman as Elodie, he truly hoped she wouldn't end up hurt.

His words landed abruptly.

paused, her spoon hovering over her bowl of

answered calmly, "I know what you mean, and I should have explained sooner. Ms. Fielding and I have only a professional relationship— nothing beyond the

exactly what Klein

topic so directly, without a hint of avoidance. For the first time, he

her

have an epiphany. "Oh... I see. My memory

just looking out for Elodie and me. I appreciate

that, he turned to Elodie, meeting her gaze with a frankness that was

said. With their status, it was important to keep up appearances. There was no

Silverstein, sounds like you've got the best of both worlds-first the brilliant Ms. Fielding, and now the much-admired

before, back at Patricia's exhibition when she'd just returned from abroad.

getting drawn into their banter. She lowered her head and picked at a piece of tender pork rib, not noticing when a bit of sauce got

didn't seem the least bit offended. He simply pulled a napkin and handed it to Elodie, then smiled faintly. "It was my mistake in hiring before but as for those people Mr. Aldridge, I'd prefer you not compare

be even quicker than she was-she'd

“You're right, Mr. Silverstein. Those people

eyebrows. Under the table, she sent Elodie a

glanced at

his words. Men like