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.

a moment, he couldn't tell which stung more: his anger

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

mind-she never wanted anything

Patricia is still locked away back home. Your father agreed to three years-if she serves a day 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 and shattered all

Watts' eyes hardened.

bargaining chip now. She's not going to get any peace as long as I hold the reins. When the

words were brutal,

Watts' expression finally cracked.

since tried to let go

of his

someone he'd

for

She was

now Jarrod was striking directly at his weakest

rigid with helpless

capable of

how dare you-Patricia is

his tone cool and mocking. "You think your actions can't touch

Watts' face darkened.

the knife deeper. "Your little 'kidnapping' of Elodie has already been reported It's a serious offense-one that's sparked a crisis of trust between both countries. When you catted to 'inform' me you had Elodie, and even threatened me with her child,