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.

and nodded, echoing, “Have fun,

shooting Jarrod a quick glance. "Alright, next time

He looked straight at Elodie, smiling. "See you in

warmth and

his expression unflinching, betraying nothing

wait for the others -he turned and strode off

his watch. It

we head

a quick message without looking up. "No need.

and intense. Elodie

"Do

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

was the second time he'd made such a remark-the first had been a warning

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

then did a faint change flicker across Jarrod's

then, Esmeralda emerged, carrying the takeout

uninterested in whatever Jarrod might have to say. He watched her retreating back for a moment, then got into his own car. Andrea, their driver, kept a steady pace

The evening had been

needed to take

given her tucked in