How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

A new assistant was assigned to Elodie.

Lily Lockwood was sent along to accompany her.

When Elodie found Lily, the girl was already clutching several folders, glancing up at Elodie with a straight face. "You know, aside from my professor, you're the only person my age who can actually boss me around and make me your assistant."

It was a statement that drew a line between them.

But she was determined to cross that line someday.

For now, Elodie ought to thank her.

Elodie glanced at the address on her phone and replied with a half-smile, "Well, you'd better get used to it."

Lily blinked, momentarily speechless.

But Elodie was already striding out, files in hand, not waiting for her.

Lily hurried after her, protesting, "Hey! Seriously? That's how you're going to be?"

Just as they stepped out, Lily nearly collided with someone coming in.

Watts finally looked down at her.

Whatever indignation Lily had flared up melted away in an instant.

"Heading out?" Watts asked, voice casual.

Lily nodded, a little flustered. “We're going to run diagnostics on the SX Alloy."

Watts glanced after Elodie's retreating figure. "Just you and Elodie?"

Lily shook her head. "There are other engineers on the team."

He stepped aside to let her pass, raising an eyebrow. "Alright then. Good luck."

Lily's cheeks flushed bright red. She spun around and hurried down the hall.

Watts pretended not to notice her girlish crush.

On the way, Elodie pulled up background information about Jarrod's company on her phone. It had been founded just over five years ago, and now a portion of its materials division had relocated back to the country, establishing a branch office. Navigating Verdania's bureaucracy was no easy feat.

Given the sensitive nature of the material, the entry process was tightly controlled.

When Elodie, Lily, and the rest of the team arrived, the local manager-recently transferred from Verdania-spotted Elodie immediately.

"Mrs. Silverstein, right this way."

His name was Jeremiah, though Elodie didn't recognize him. "Have we met before?"

Jeremiah smiled. “No, I've been in London these last few years. Just got back to handle domestic operations. But I know you well

enough-Mr. Silverstein's office

London has a photo of you two on his desk."

It was a stiff, formal picture-almost like an old-fashioned wedding portrait with them seated side by side.

Elodie's eyes flickered, but she let the subject drop. "No need for special treatment. Let's just follow standard protocol."

She refused to take any shortcuts; everything would proceed by the book.

Inside, Elodie immediately spotted Jarrod on the far side of the room, listening to a report from his staff.

He was here too.

As soon as Jarrod noticed her, he turned and strode over, his gaze fixed on her face. "So it is you leading the team."

Several heads turned to watch as the famous Mr. Silverstein crossed the floor straight toward Elodie, who didn't even look up.

Rumors of Jarrod and Elodie's marriage had made the rounds. Most people assumed their relationship was purely for appearances.

At the very least, they thought, Mr. Silverstein couldn't possibly love her.

Yet now-

Jarrod's eyes never left her, steady and intent. There was a calm focus in his expression.

Perhaps, for the first time, it was possible to guess who cared more in this marriage.

Elodie's face remained composed

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she unconsciously brushed her fingers across her stomach. "You didn't have to oversee this yourself, did you?"

"No," Jarrod replied, glancing at the diagnostics team. His tone was almost casual. "I'm here to see you."

Elodie didn't answer. She turned to Lily and said, "Can you help me record the data in a bit?"

Lily glanced at Jarrod, lowering her voice. "Are you two fighting?"

"Why do you think that?" Jarrod looked at her, his tone cool.

Lily gave him a sidelong look. "She clearly doesn't want to talk to you. So, please, don't slow us down."

Elodie shot Lily a surprised look.

There was a directness to this girl that most adults lacked.noveldrama

She certainly wasn't bothering to spare Jarrod's feelings.

Jarrod's gaze fingered lightly on Elodie's face. He didn't seem the least bit annoyed. Eyes still on Elodie, he addressed Lily, “Since you're so perceptive, maybe you can tell me what it'll take for her to talk to me."

It almost sounded like he was speaking to Elodie, not Lily.

Elodie frowned faintly, uncomfortable with such blatant honesty.