How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Patricia's lips twitched at Elodie's composed demeanor, but she let it go with a

light laugh. "Good, then. I wouldn't want you thinking I'm keeping secrets from you I'd hate for that to get in the way of our friendship."

Elodie offered a gentle, polite smile. Her expression was tranquil, giving nothing

away.

Patricia, on the other hand, had a certain edge to her an assertiveness that surfaced now and then. She'd grown up used to high-stakes situations and knew how to hold her ground. Still... Patricia couldn't help recalling something Sylvie had once said. Maybe, just maybe, even Sylvie had gotten a few things mixed up.

Later that week, Elodie confirmed with Klein that in three days, their group was heading to a classified government facility for a meeting. The attendee list was finalized-Watts was included.

Elodie still couldn't shake the feeling that Watts ought to be carving out his place at Eldrion Global now that he was back in the country. The upper management was a nest of intrigue; even being President Barnes' son wouldn't help unless Watts learned to play hardball. So why had he suddenly pivoted to join the national task force? This wasn't the logical next step in his career.

Klein and his team slipped out quietly, and soon most of the guests had left as well.

Esmeralda, delighted with one of the dishes, eagerly went to ask the staff to pack some up—she wanted to bring it home for Alexander Sterling to try.

Night settled in, deepening across the city.

Patricia, still in high spirits, turned to Elodie and Jarrod. "It's still early. How about a second round? I know a great bar with a fantastic vibe-let's go!"

Watts glanced at Elodie, waiting.

up first. "We'll have to pass. We promised to visit

the excuse and nodded, echoing, “Have fun,

a quick glance. "Alright,

bother with Patricia's regrets. He looked straight at Elodie, smiling. "See

said it carried an unmistakable undertone-a warmth and

unflinching,

simply nodded, acknowledging the fact of it. Watts didn't wait for the others -he

his watch. It was

head

sent Esmeralda a quick message without looking up. "No

there a moment, his gaze steady and intense. Elodie frowned and looked up at him. "Is there something else,

"Do

remember what I told you?" His tone softened just a little. "Not that I mean

had been a warning about Watts. But this time?

it up, she replied coolly, "I don't make a habit of befriending. your admirers, Mr. Silverstein or sitting around with a bottle

a faint change

then, Esmeralda emerged, carrying the takeout

moment, then got into his own car. Andrea, their driver, kept a steady pace behind the Range

the trailing car a thought. The evening had been all about networking, nothing

hour after dinner, she needed to take her medication.

Elias had given her