How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue novel Chapter 90

Around noon, Alexander called her.

"The old man put on an act today, asking about the VistaLink Technologies project. Truth is, he's just curious about your direction now that you're back in the game. Here's what you should do: pull together your data and send it his way. He won't be able to resist."

This was the perfect chance to break the ice.

If the professor could see what she was capable of now, maybe he'd finally let go of the grudges he'd been holding.

Still, Elodie was nervous. Years ago, she'd planned to apply for his graduate program—until everything changed. She'd thrown it all away to save Ivan, only to end up sold off to the Silverstein family like some chattel, her future lost in the process.

She didn't hesitate. She compiled every idea she had and sent it all to Charlie's email.

It wasn't until nearly eight that night that Charlie finally called.

She answered with a tight fist, heart pounding.

There was silence on the other end.

After what felt like forever, a gruff voice broke through. "Cat got your tongue? Turned into a church mouse?"

Elodie felt a twinge of guilt and mumbled, "No…"

"All right. I read your VistaLink Technologies project proposal. Not bad for your first big move coming back. Still, this field moves fast. If you want to make your mark, you can't afford to coast or just talk a big game."

If Elodie hadn't lost those three years, she'd be so much further by now.

Geniuses are common; true prodigies are rare.

Charlie had always held high hopes for her.

He'd kept a spot open for her in his graduate program year after year, but she'd been too caught up in her marriage to break free.

Elodie took a slow, steady breath. "I'll keep working hard."

She didn't know where her life would end, or when her illness would finally overtake her. All she could do was race against time.

Charlie was silent again for a moment, then let out a weary sigh. "How have you been these past few years?"

Elodie knew what he really meant—he was asking about her marriage.

Shame sealed her lips; she couldn't find any words.