How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Meanwhile-

Ivan had just stepped out of the mansion when his phone buzzed with a new message.

Of course, he had Malcom's number saved.

[If you're going to betray me, don't blame me for being ruthless. That daughter is of no use to me anymore, so if you're both going to force my hand, I might as well make her worth something. You care about her, don't you? She's still my bargaining chip! If you want me dead, then I'll take her down with me! Ivan, you've pushed me to the edge! So don't expect anyone to walk away unscathed-either agree to all my demands, or I'll disappear with her.]

Ivan crushed his cigarette between his fingers, not even registering the burn.

Malcom, that bastard.

He was threatening him with Elodie.

Something must have gone wrong.

But Malcom wasn't giving any hint to where he was.

Ivan's face darkened, jaw clenched. He spun on his heel and sprinted for the garage.

Queenie Jett happened to be stepping inside with her spare keycard just as Ivan was rushing out.

There was only one person in the world who could put that kind of panic on Ivan's face.

She'd come tonight to try to patch things up, but now, seeing him so desperate to leave, she panicked too. She rushed over and wrapped her arms around him.

"Ivan, I can explain everything that happened before. Please, just hear me out, okay? After everything we've been through, I'll do whatever you want-just give me a chance, please?"

Tears streaked down her face as she reached up, trying to kiss him.

Ivan shoved her off, his expression cold and implacable. "Move."

myself right in front of you!" Queenie was

voice was ice, every word a blade: "Suit yourself. Don't expect me

engine roared to life, and he

the

use underhanded means just for

it was only because she loved

for years, tried

And still, she lost.

with the place

a fog of pain and

she realized she was dangling from the edge of an

tight around her waist,

She glanced down.

broke out all over her

no railing; the rope above her head was knotted around

wind picked up, her body swayed, the

her chest, icy and

twisted around, heart

twisted, monstrous face

don't look at your father like that. I didn't want this either, but Ivan and Jarrod left me no choice," he said, voice low and venomous. The kindly father act was gone-only

hadn't said anything, he'd never have realized Jarrod was the one who

gone, his safety net vanished. Ivan would see

was no way out, then

down Elodie's forehead as she tried to keep Malcom from snapping. "Tell me what you

wouldn't be in ruins! But I suppose I should thank you-you're

known

only now did she truly see it: even her own father

the screech of brakes echoed from

jolt shot through Elodie's head as she looked down-dust billowed as a familiar Rolls-Royce came to a