How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Watts finally revealed the source of his materials, resolving the tense impasse with perfect timing.

Anyone watching would agree-he'd just saved the day.

A flurry of thoughts raced through Elodie's mind; she couldn't pretend she wasn't surprised.

This material was so rare that even overseas, only a handful of companies had access to it. It was a cornerstone of military power and cutting-edge technology, a ticket to absolute influence and, even more, to unimaginable profit.

It was the kind of prize that could drive investors into a frenzy.

Until now, only Jarrod had managed to secure it domestically, making the entire industry—and even the continent-reliant on his production process.

Yet Watts, it turned out, had it too. He'd never breathed a word, not the faintest hint...

Not until this very moment.

Suddenly, Elodie realized just how deep a game this young man was playing.

She instinctively glanced at Jarrod.

He sat with patrician poise, leaning back and watching Watts, unhurried and unruffled.

He didn't seem surprised at all.

away. She waited for what would happen

stunned. "Watts, are

a sly smile, sinking comfortably into his chair. "Mr. Whitaker, I am, after all, the next in line at Eldrion Global. With the company

Silverstein Industries is, but supplying for the next year or two

goes away. Honestly, I'd hoped to stay out of the domestic market, but with Silverstein's troubles, I felt it was only fair to offer the authorities another choice. No sense

at him coolly. "Mr. Aldridge, your timing

looking

knew exactly what Watts was

two years ago-back in Verdania-they'd clashed over this material. Watts

very

easily outmaneuvered. His fledgling company suffered a catastrophic collapse, supply chains

even called

yet, here he was again-back from

and the military forced to choose between Eldrion Global, the dominant defense contractor,

falsifying data to boost my standing. So, allow me to submit

the single

authoritative institute in Verdania.

reputation is

and everyone knows their

was visibly