How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue novel Chapter 125

Elodie stared at Joseph, surprised, while he seemed just as taken aback by their brief touch. For a moment, neither seemed to know quite what to say.

She instinctively drew back her hand, taking her notebook with her, and her gaze turned frosty and distant. "Thank you," she said curtly.

Joseph pressed his lips together, unable to ignore her coldness and the way she treated him like someone to be avoided at all costs. "Well, what a coincidence," he managed, trying to sound casual. "Didn't expect to see you at the defense expo."

Elodie tucked her notebook away and nodded. "Yeah. I came with Alex."

"Alex…?" There was a subtle shift in Joseph's expression, a flicker of something darker. She called Alexander by his first name—so familiar?

Elodie didn't notice his reaction. "See you later," she said, giving a polite nod before heading off to catch up with Alexander.

Joseph watched her retreat, lost in thought.

—

Across the parking lot, Sylvie had witnessed the whole exchange. She'd seen Joseph help Elodie pick up her things, and for a second, it looked like Elodie had even held his hand.

She frowned. Was she just reading too much into it?

"What's wrong, Ms. Fielding?" Grady and Naylor approached, having just stepped out of their own car. Grady, ever attentive, shot her a concerned look.

Sylvie snapped back to the moment, glanced at Grady, then nodded a greeting at Naylor. "It's nothing. Just ran into someone I didn't expect to see here."

This research complex was strictly sectioned off—entry was reserved for top government scientists and, on rare occasions like today, senior executives from partner companies. If it weren't for the new joint project, even they wouldn't have clearance.

But Elodie had managed to get in. Sylvie truly didn't understand how.

"Who was it?" Grady asked, curiosity piqued.

Naylor didn't seem interested. He strolled over to Joseph. "Mr. Delacroix, you look deep in thought."

Sylvie's gaze followed Joseph, eyes clouded with questions.