How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

That night, Elodie was in high spirits and too restless to sleep alone, so she shared a room with Nadia.

Jarrod didn't object; he stayed with her, keeping her company through the night.

The next morning, everything was already set. Jarrod had arranged a private jet for their return home, making sure to bring along a professional team, since Nadia would be traveling with them. The plan was to escort Nadia safely back, and then the team would return to the States. With such a long flight ahead, Jarrod had anticipated every possible complication.

New York was milder than back home, so they chose an afternoon departure. Thirteen hours later, their plane touched down-by then, it was already three in the afternoon.

Nadia's situation was serious-far too important for just Elodie and Jarrod to handle alone. None of the family elders knew yet, so Jarrod discussed things with Elodie in advance. Together, they decided to invite Rosemary and Emile over to the Silverstein mansion, where they could share the news with everyone present. It would be best for both families' elders to meet Nadia at the same time.

Elodie agreed, but she knew her grandmother-Rosemary-would need a personal heads-up first. Otherwise, given her temper, she might refuse the invitation outright. So before takeoff, Elodie called Rosemary. Although Rosemary didn't know why she was being summoned to the Silverstein home, she trusted Elodie's judgment-her granddaughter never acted rashly. Sensing the urgency, she agreed to come.

the car-a spacious, comfortable limousine, perfect for the long ride. Jarrod carried Nadia in his arms;

they pulled up to the Silverstein estate, Elodie felt a strange mixture of emotions. So much

holding the

"Why so tense, Mrs. Silverstein? You're home," he teased, a smile playing at his lips. That gentle teasing eased some of her nerves, especially when he called her "Mrs. Silverstein." She squeezed his hand in return, and together they walked down the covered

the atmosphere was tense-years of complicated history lingered

Rosemary sat upright, her

expression perfectly composed. She

"Rosemary, Jarrod was out of line before. I can't excuse

had been comrades-in-arms for decades. The two women had known each other nearly as long;