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.

her spoon hovering over her

you mean, and I should have explained sooner. Ms. Fielding and

knew exactly what Klein was

without a hint of avoidance. For the first time, he gave a

caught her completely off

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

his head politely. "You were just looking out for Elodie and

turned to Elodie, meeting her gaze with a frankness that

before understanding-he was just saying what needed to be said. With their status, it was important to keep up appearances. There was no need to take

nearby, chuckled. "Mr. Silverstein, sounds like you've got the best of both worlds-first the

just returned

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

quicker than she was-she'd barely noticed the mess on her

paused for a split second, then smiled. “You're right,

catching Jarrod's words, couldn't help but raise her eyebrows. Under the table,

glanced at her

words. Men like that sure know