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.

hovering

sooner. Ms. Fielding and I have only a professional relationship— nothing

knew exactly what Klein was getting

hear him address the topic so directly, without a hint of avoidance. For the first time, he gave

her completely off

seemed to have an epiphany. "Oh... I see. My memory isn't what

were just looking out for Elodie and

he turned to Elodie, meeting her gaze

needed to be said. With their status, it was important to keep up appearances. There was no need to take it to heart.

the best of both worlds-first the brilliant

Patricia's exhibition when she'd just returned from abroad. This time, too, there was a hint of provocation, though couched

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

handed it to Elodie, then smiled faintly. "It was my mistake in hiring

expected Jarrod to be even quicker than she was-she'd

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

words, couldn't help but raise her eyebrows. Under the

glanced at her

really smooth with his words. Men like that sure know