How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

"She'd had people watching Patricia for ages, but they'd never managed to dig up

anything substantial-meanwhile, Jarrod had already struck a decisive blow.

"If you don't want anyone to find out, don't do it in the first place," Jarrod said, his

tone flat as he scanned the menu, methodically picking out dishes. "With her kind

of extreme personality, nothing she does would surprise me. Especially after all

those years overseas... she's picked up plenty of bad habits."

Elodie glanced over the menu and noticed that everything he chose was

something she liked. Even the last dish-a red bean dessert-was her favorite.

She'd always thought Jarrod never really paid attention to her, but now, with some

distance from her old feelings, she could finally see the details she'd missed

before.

"But how did you know when she'd actually do something like that? Those things

are pretty private," Elodie asked, setting the menu aside.

He'd taken care of ordering everything, sparing her the trouble.

"Walls have ears. If you want to live in the spotlight, you'd better be ready to pay

the price."

With his connections in Eldermere, there was almost nothing Jarrod couldn't find

out.

It dawned on Elodie-he must have placed some informant close to Patricia.

She could imagine what a shock this must be for someone as spoiled and willful

Abroad, anything might fly, but back

tolerated.

food arrived,

over Elodie's utensils, then

and started peeling the bright,

his own

peeled prawns neatly onto Elodie's small

food. You don't need to

up with a half-smile that didn't

not trying to win you

you doing?" Elodie

voice soft. "That kiss earlier-I shouldn't have

without asking. Think of this

stared at

slightest bit sorry. The nonchalant pace of his words

he was doing this entirely on

been so "considerate"

know your appetite hasn't

you

and keep up your strength.

your surgery

anything you want, just

know-I'll have someone

get your

Jarrod was

something heavy

worry that pressed on

he saw how

become.

couldn't stand watching it day after

thing about Elodie-he insisted on

Maurice and Joseph Delacroix arrived just

scene

known Jarrod