How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Watts understood all too well.

Jarrod had probably moved the child elsewhere long ago.

That "busy" organization back in New York City was nothing but a smokescreen.

Anyone looking into it would only see business as usual, never realizing

everything had already been set in motion behind the scenes.

And that was exactly why Watts found Jarrod so utterly detestable.

The old saying about a cunning fox with three escape holes could have been written for Jarrod he always had another trick, another backup plan.

Watts knew, deep down, that today would be a fight to the bitter end. No one was walking away unscathed.

The Verdania project-once a cornerstone of his ambitions-was finished. They'd lost all leverage and any chance to negotiate.

Even Elodie... there was no way he could take her with him now.

Pain radiated from the wound on his back, a sharp reminder of how much he'd lost today. It almost felt as if this injury would haunt him for the rest of his life, a constant echo of defeat.

anger and resentment toward Jarrod's company, or the ache of losing

for Jarrod. "Let's lay our cards on the table, Mr. Silverstein. What's

up her mind-she never wanted anything to do

a day less, she's not getting out. It was already a courtesy that I let her handle those

Watts' eyes hardened.

as I hold the reins. When the time comes, I have plenty of ways

were

Watts' expression finally cracked.

long since tried to let go achment to

of his

someone he'd

for

She was still

striking directly at his weakest spot,

rigid with

was entirely capable of carrying out every

you-Patricia is still

mocking. "You think your actions can't touch your

Watts' face darkened.

serious offense-one that's sparked a crisis of trust between both countries. When you catted to 'inform' me you