How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue novel Chapter 34

Elodie wasn't feeling well.

Her condition had already been unstable, and she'd pushed herself to prepare for this evening's gala—only for Jarrod to show up with Sylvie and throw her completely off balance.

A feverish heat crept through her body. She fumbled in her purse for her medication and swallowed two pills without thinking, hoping to stifle the pain twisting in her abdomen.

She wasn't sure how much time had passed when she finally noticed Alexander's second call lighting up her phone.

"Alex?"

"Where are you?"

Elodie glanced at her reflection in the mirror; she looked pale, almost sickly. "Outside. I'll be back in a minute."

"There's a discussion panel starting—can you join us here?"

"Sure, I'm coming now."

She dabbed on a bit more makeup, making sure she looked presentable before stepping out.

Mr. Patrick, the central figure of tonight's discussion, was already there when Elodie arrived. Jarrod and Sylvie were deep in conversation with him, laughing as if they'd known each other for years.

Elodie made her way to Alexander's side. As soon as there was an opening, Alexander led her over to Mr. Patrick.

Finally, Elodie had a chance to speak to him directly. Alexander leaned in and murmured something in Mr. Patrick's ear.

Mr. Patrick's expression changed the moment he looked at Elodie. "So you're—" He quickly reined in his surprise, remembering discretion, and couldn't help but remark, "No wonder Mr. Sterling speaks so highly of Ms. Thorne. I must admit, I failed to see it before."

Elodie smiled politely. "It's an honor to finally meet you, Mr. Patrick."

As the two of them chatted, Jarrod and his group took notice. Sylvie cast several curious glances their way.

She couldn't help but wonder—what could Elodie possibly have to talk about with Mr. Patrick?

"She really puts on a good show," Maurice remarked with a smirk, glancing at Sylvie. "She doesn't understand policy, knows nothing about tech, and couldn't care less about the core of VistaLink Technologies. Yet here she is, chatting away with Mr. Patrick like she belongs."

Sylvie just smiled, saying nothing. She understood Maurice's implication—he was accusing Elodie of imitating her, trying to emulate her easy rapport with Mr. Patrick.

But Sylvie didn't care about Elodie's antics. In a low voice, she said to Jarrod, "It's a shame Mr. Charles couldn't make it tonight."

Jarrod's lips curled in a faint, knowing smile. "If you want it, there'll be another chance."

Sylvie understood his meaning, and her smile turned genuinely sweet.