How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Cold sweat poured down Jarrod's back as he bent over, gasping for breath. Warm blood trickled steadily from the wound behind him—he knew the injury was deep, the pain so fierce it felt as if his chest might split open.

Malcom, meanwhile, had been knocked to the ground several times already, nearly vomiting from the force of a kick to his stomach. Still, he scrambled upright, snarling, "Back off! If you come any closer, I'll throw her down right now!"

Jarrod could feel his strength draining away with every heartbeat. He'd been running a high fever for over twenty-four hours and hadn't fully recovered. Now, this wound left his head swimming, the world turning hazy at the edges. But he refused to show any weakness.

Malcom finally tasted a twisted satisfaction at the sight. "Well, well, Mr. Silverstein -never thought I'd see you like this! Consider this payback!" He had come here because he needed something from Jarrod, but that didn't mean he would pass up the chance for revenge.

Jarrod's eyes were icy and remote as he forced himself to stand tall. "Don't hurt her. Whatever you want-I'll give it to you."

Malcom didn't waste time with more threats. He bolted up the stairs, not daring to give Jarrod even a second to regain the upper hand. He knew this man-one slip, and everything could be over.

Jarrod clutched his chest, gulping down air, then forced himself to stagger outside. He needed to make sure Elodie was safe.

From upstairs, Elodie couldn't see what was happening below. She tried to keep her voice steady as she called out, "I'm fine. Don't worry about me-just stay calm, okay?"

She had no idea what a cornered Malcom might do. Her first instinct was to protect Jarrod.

He didn't mention his wound. Drawing a silent, shaky breath, he raised his voice so she could hear: "Don't be afraid, Elodie. Trust me I won't let anything happen

to you."

Malcom had reached the third floor now, his voice shrill and ragged: "I know everything! You destroyed the Harcourt Group! Jarrod, this is what you deserve!"

the truth-he'd hoped to quietly push Malcom into a corner, destroy the Harcourt family without them ever realizing how. But now, everything was

the screech of tires

face stricken with

want a hundred million dollars and safe passage out of the country. I'm taking

the blood soaking his back as he braced himself against the car, eyes locked on Elodie above. He didn't hesitate. “Fine. You'll get everything

words left his lips, Jarrod glanced sideways at Ivan, giving him a look that conveyed everything and nothing

understood immediately. He melted into the shadows,

voice floated up, distracting Malcom: "If you want to negotiate, you'd better guarantee her safety. Otherwise, you won't be the only one ruined-no one in

who had once needed the Harcourts' support,

the moment,

"That's all

You've already sent

you should explain your plan

he spoke, Ivan was already moving at

If he hurried, he could reach the

sign of Ivan, but saw nothing. His face twisted

thundered behind him-quick and

Elodie's heart froze.

his composure completely. He knew Ivan was strong, and at his own age, he stood

door, charging straight at Malcom and locking an arm around