How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

They arranged for a private lounge.

The main party slipped away quietly, as if choreographed.

Today, no matter what, everything had to be laid bare.

Esmeralda watched the scene unfold, hastily wiping the corner of her eye before pulling free from Alexander's grasp. "I'm going too."

It was obvious-this was a trial for Elodie.

This time, Alexander didn't try to stop her. Since they'd already decided to make a clean break, there was no point in pretending this was merely "family business behind closed doors." At this point, who did Elodie truly have left on her side? Only he and Esmeralda could still stand up for her.

Jarrod held tightly to Elodie's wrist, silent. She could feel how cold his fingers were.

As they left, Maurice Nilsson and his companions noticed, casting curious glances from afar.

Before they could process what was happening, Ivan Harcourt arrived.

He knew Elodie would be here today and had come to check in. Spotting Maurice, he strode over. "Mr. Nilsson, are Mr. Silverstein and Elodie not here?"

toward the lounge. "They just went that way. Not sure what's going

about today; he'd hoped to clear up these messy affairs

thickened as everyone's gaze settled

voices broke the silence

going on

about the

not here to blame you. I just need you to

if you changed your tone. She's not here to answer your accusations-she's not some vessel at your disposab

made Elodie's heart

had assumed Jarrod, resentful over what had happened with the baby, would at least tacitly allow his mother and the others to turn on Elodie. She never

had nearly called her out by name. Her face darkened, but what could she do when her own

her an out. She could choose not to answer; she didn't owe anyone

But...

The physical torment, the relentless pressure —it was only a

drew a

how her posture remained ramrod straight, as if nothing in the world could ever

to notice the flush in