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.

which stung more: his anger and resentment toward

at Elodie, but his words were for Jarrod. "Let's lay our cards on the table, Mr. Silverstein. What's your next

She'd made up her mind-she never wanted anything to do with Watts

less, she's not getting out. It was already a courtesy that I let her handle those old grudges in private. But you, Mr. Aldridge, you went

Watts' eyes hardened.

any peace as long as I hold the reins. When the time comes,

words were brutal,

Watts' expression finally cracked.

if he'd long since tried to let go achment to

of his

someone

for

She was

was striking directly at his weakest spot, twisting the knife with

rigid

was entirely capable of carrying out every

dare you-Patricia is

sneered, his tone cool and mocking. "You think your

Watts' face darkened.

offense-one that's sparked a crisis of trust