How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Sprague's gaze swept instinctively to the ICU, his expression darkening. "What's going on with Jarrod? Something happened?"

He stepped closer, frowning through the glass doors. "Why would he suddenly end up in intensive care?"

It was clear that Sprague had just run into them by chance-his surprise looked genuine.

Elodie had already calmed down; her face showed nothing of alarm. She glanced at Andrea before turning to Sprague. "It's just a minor injury, nothing serious. You don't have to worry, really."

Sprague shook his head, unconvinced. "He didn't look alright to me. Since when does a minor injury land you in the ICU? Elodie, we're family. If something's wrong, we face it together-you don't have to be afraid."

Andrea stepped forward, standing between them with flawless poise. "Mr. Silverstein's already turned in for the night. There's no need to worry. If you'd like, he can call you himself tomorrow to let you know he's okay."

Sprague's eyes lingered on Andrea.

He'd heard of this man before.

Whenever it came to Jarrod's most important business, Andrea was always the one entrusted. Even among executive assistants, Andrea was in a league of his own-utterly reliable.

Elodie shifted the conversation. "Big brother, what are you doing at the hospital so late, anyway?" Her tone was light and almost casual as she looked at him.

Sprague finally replied, "My mother's been having migraines and couldn't sleep. I thought I'd bring her in for a check-up. Didn't expect to run into you all."

There was nothing Elodie could say to that she couldn't exactly accuse him of spying, after all.

back and look after Aunt Elinor. You don't have to worry about things here—it's nothing." She showed no sign of wanting to say more, her demeanor calm and

say it's nothing, Elodie, I'll trust you.

Elodie nodded.

then did Sprague turn and

figure, her expression

was sure: Sprague hadn't just happened to show up-he'd been tracking Jarrod's movements, maybe for a while

here. You go back and keep an eye on the company. If

understood the stakes. He nodded solemnly.

Andrea left.

stood outside the hospital

the glass at Jarrod, still unconscious. The silence of

in her chest. She drew in

upset-she'd be lying

her, but seeing Jarrod throw himself forward without a second

ask him, was he out of his

and things could have gone so

was a grown woman, not exactly heavy,

if not for Jarrod, with her slight frame and the awkward landing, she could have easily died-or, if luck

her voice barely a

hospital and