How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue novel Chapter 22

Elodie and Alexander stood together, deep in conversation. Whatever they were discussing, it was impossible to miss the matching scarves wrapped around their necks—clearly a couple's set.

Really, what sort of "just friends" wear matching scarves like that?

From across the room, Jarrod glanced up and watched them.

Elodie reached out and patted Alexander's back, the gesture easy and familiar, their closeness hard to ignore.

Maurice let out a cold laugh. "I really underestimated her. She may not have any real skills, but she's certainly an expert when it comes to men."

Even Joseph frowned, casting Elodie another curious look.

He remembered the way she'd looked at him that day—cold and full of contempt. Compared to the warmth in her eyes when she looked at Alexander, it was obvious she felt very differently about the two men.

"If they're not involved, then how does she even know Alexander?" Maurice muttered, still unable to figure it out.

Alexander's company, VistaLink Technologies, had only just stabilized its footing, but his background was solid and his abilities ranked him at the very top of the field. Someone like Elodie shouldn't even have the chance to cross paths with him, let alone get close.

"Jarrod?" Maurice turned to him.

Jarrod glanced at his watch, his tone indifferent. "I'll take Sylvie home."

Sylvie, lost in thought, lingered a moment.

Jarrod had brought her here tonight to meet the industry's elite, and just by chance, Elodie had shown up—looking intimately connected to Alexander, no less—and all of it just happened to unfold right in front of them.

Too many coincidences meant it couldn't possibly be a coincidence anymore.

"No wonder Mr. Sterling didn't meet with me today," she said quietly.

Maurice and Joseph turned toward her. "What do you mean?"

Sylvie spoke calmly, "If Elodie knows Mr. Sterling, then it all makes sense."

"Elodie's holding a grudge?" Maurice immediately jumped to the implication Sylvie left unsaid. "She's whispered something in Alexander's ear because she can't let go of what happened with you?"

"Alexander doesn't strike me as the type to let a pretty face cloud his judgment," Joseph said, genuinely surprised.

Sylvie shook her head. "Doesn't matter. My abilities will speak for themselves."

Maurice grinned, giving her a thumbs-up. "That's our Sylvie—nothing if not poised."

Jarrod stayed silent, his gaze drifting back to Elodie and Alexander.

Meanwhile, Elodie could feel a sharp gaze fixed on her, but she didn't turn around. She knew it was Jarrod, but she no longer cared.

She dropped Alexander off at his apartment. He'd had a bit to drink and, still wrapped in his scarf, waved her off before heading upstairs. Elodie watched him go, said nothing, and drove herself home.

Life felt light and easy these days. Free, even.