How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Those words were brutally blunt.

It felt like an invisible slap across Sylvie's face, leaving her cheeks burning.

Who would have thought that, one day, Elodie would actually surpass her?

She couldn't accept such an absurd turn of events.

Even Grady's expression flickered between shades of embarrassment and anger.

Just then, the editor was called away by someone across the room and quickly turned to leave.

Grady scowled deeply, then finally looked at Sylvie. "I'm sorry. Did I mess things up?"

If only he hadn't jumped in to defend Sylvie out of sympathy-would things have gone differently?

Sylvie silently tried to steady her chaotic emotions, her face nearly

expressionless. “I know you were just trying to stand up for me, Mr. Mercer. It's

fine."

But she couldn't deny the lingering sense of frustration.

How had Grady managed to make such a mess of things?

Now, she'd been pulled out and forced into direct comparison with Elodie in front of everyone.

Not that she'd ever say so aloud.

With a faint nod, she excused herself and looked around for Jarrod, hoping for his advice.

But as she made her way across the room-

She saw Jarrod deep in conversation with several of the event's most influential guests.

At that moment, someone called out, "Mr. Silverstein, why don't you stand next to Ms. Thorne for a group photo?"

Sylvie froze in her tracks.

Elodie heard it too. She lifted her gaze, and Jarrod looked over as well.

Elodie kept her expression carefully blank, though inside, she recoiled at the idea.

She hated this kind of situation; the group photo would inevitably be made public, and then the speculation about her and Jarrod would spiral out of control.

Wouldn't that just shift everyone's attention in exactly the wrong direction?

But before Elodie could respond, a y voice declined thenoveldrama

calm,

invitation. "No need, thanks. I'll stay out of the picture. You all go ahead."

Jarrod had refused.

Relief washed over Elodie as she turned, only to see Sylvie standing not far away.

The moment Sylvie heard Jarrod's response, her expression softened-if only for a second-before she shot Elodie a cold, cutting glance.

Elodie had stolen the spotlight, but Jarrod hadn't even spared her a glance.

When their eyes met, Elodie finally understood: maybe Jarrod's refusal wasn't just about the academic setting. Maybe he didn't want to hurt Sylvie's feelings, didn't want to put her through the humiliation.

He'd found a way to dodge the public display and still leave no room for criticism.

Alexander, too, noticed Sylvie and frowned.

Jarrod really was careful with Sylvie's every emotion-afraid she'd get jealous over Elodie.

Elodie certainly preferred things this way, so she looked away and melted into the crowd.

After the official group picture, a crowd of excited students surrounded Elodie, snapping photos with her.

She didn't turn anyone down.

There was a strange, almost overwhelming sense that she'd become someone's idol.

Soon Elodie could barely keep up with all the requests.

Charlie had already slipped out early.

As Waldron passed Elodie on his way out, he paused and gave her a frosty look.

"Don't get cocky. The real results are still to come."

His words were as blunt as ever, almost cruel.

Elodie didn't bother to argue.

After all, Waldron was just telling the truth today-nothing more, nothing less.

Before he left, Waldron noticed

Jarrod heading toward Sylvie and stopped again, staring at Elodie in disbelief. "If I were you, I wouldn't just sit back and let someone else take the chance. Whether you fight or make a scene, at least stand up for your own marriage!"

Elodie could only fall silent.