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.

tension ebb away. She waited for what

was stunned. "Watts,

sinking comfortably into his chair. "Mr. Whitaker, I am, after all, the next in line

for the next year or two shouldn't be an issue. Especially considering—well, Mr. Silverstein has his hands full

it can't be easy. Public outrage, loss of life, mounting questions-it's not something that just goes away. Honestly, I'd hoped to stay out of the domestic market, but with Silverstein's troubles, I felt it was only fair

him coolly. "Mr. Aldridge, your timing is impeccable-not

softly. "Just looking out for the

knew exactly what Watts was

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

very

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

called it

here he was again-back from the

between Eldrion Global, the dominant defense contractor, and his own embattled firm, the

scandal-accused of falsifying data to boost my standing. So, allow me to submit every test report from my company since day one:

by the

authoritative institute in Verdania.

reputation is

everyone knows their verdict

was visibly taken