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.

Jarrod spoke up first. "We'll have to pass. We

and nodded,

looked disappointed, shooting Jarrod a quick glance. "Alright,

didn't bother with Patricia's regrets. He looked straight at Elodie,

way he said it carried an unmistakable undertone-a warmth and

unflinching, betraying nothing

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

watch. It

we head down

quick message without looking up. "No need. We've got a

steady and intense. Elodie frowned and looked up at

"Do

His tone softened just a little. "Not that I mean to interfere with your friendships,

remark-the first had been a warning about

she replied coolly, "I don't make a habit of

then did a faint

Esmeralda emerged, carrying

to say. He watched her retreating back for a moment, then got into his own car. Andrea, their driver, kept a steady pace behind the Range Rover carrying Elodie and

The evening had been all about networking, nothing

to take her medication. She always kept

had given her tucked