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.

get back and look after Aunt Elinor. You don't have to worry about things here—it's nothing." She showed no sign

Elodie, I'll trust you. If Jarrod's up to it tomorrow, have him

Elodie nodded.

Sprague turn

figure, her

Andrea had just said about the recent situation with the Silverstein Group, she was sure: Sprague hadn't just happened

the company. If anything happens, call me right away."

the stakes. He nodded solemnly.

Andrea left.

outside the hospital room for a

the glass at Jarrod, still unconscious.

her chest. She drew

she was upset-she'd be lying to say

The fall had startled her, but seeing Jarrod throw himself forward without a second thought to

wanted to ask him, was he out of

a little miscalculation, and things could have gone so

not exactly heavy, but

her slight frame and the awkward landing, she could have easily

laid her hand against the glass, her voice

the hospital and climbed into