How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Sometimes, all you can do is take things one step at a time.

She followed her guide across the grounds toward another building.

They escorted her upstairs.

The sheer opulence of the place struck her immediately-so out of place in a country where most people seemed to get by with so little.

The gulf between rich and poor was staggering.

As soon as Elodie stepped inside, the heavy door shut behind her.

She frowned and glanced back.noveldrama

Before she could process much, footsteps echoed from ahead.

She whipped around, alert, every nerve on edge.

And found herself staring into a pair of familiar eyes.

Elodie's brow tightened. "Why is it you?"

She took in the tall, lean man before her, dressed in dark, casual clothes. He still radiated that same youthful energy and undeniable good looks, but now there was something else about him—an air she couldn't quite define.

Watts Aldridge looked at her, then turned away to pour himself a glass of water. "If it hadn't been me, you'd be in real trouble with that man back there."

Elodie instantly thought of the man from the Quinn family.

But she had no quarrel with him, no reason for hostility...

Watts didn't seem inclined to explain further. He just raised his eyebrows at her. “I imagine you're already shaken. This isn't the safe, orderly life you're used to back home. When things get ugly here, you can't imagine how bad it gets."

"Why are you here?" Elodie cut straight to the point, her voice calm but her eyes wary.

Watts pretended not to notice. He kept the tone easy, almost as if they were still friends. “Business. There's a mining operation here I'm interested in. I'm staying for a while."

Elodie didn't bother with pleasantries either. "Why did you confiscate my phone?"

Watts settled into a chair, taking a sip of water as he looked at her. "My work's confidential. It's just how things are done here. If it bothers you, I'll return it later." "Mr. Aldridge, I don't care how you knew I was there today, or why you chose to help me. I'm grateful. But I need to leave now-I have urgent business." Elodie didn't want to antagonize Watts, not when she was on his turf.

She had to make sure Jarrod was safe.

Every second counted.

"What's the rush?"

Watts set his glass down and tilted his head, grinning. "You're looking for Jarrod, aren't you?"

Elodie's eyes flashed.

She hadn't said a word about Jarrod.

She'd deliberately avoided mentioning him, knowing the history knowing Watts and Jarrod had unfinished business. She didn't want to make things worse.

Watts read every flicker of emotion on her face. He narrowed his eyes, then shrugged. "Don't worry, I'm up to anything. I've already sent

people to look for Mr. Silverst next

That's why I said you're safe here. As soon as there's news, you'll be the first to know."

Elodie pressed her lips together, silent.

She couldn't read Watts at all.

Was he really helping her find Jarrod?

And how did he even know Jarrod was here?

She had a thousand questions, but knew there was no point in pushing-Watts clearly had no intention of letting her

for now. Content be least

Her thoughts raced in circles, but she forced herself to steady her nerves. "Can I

make a phone call?"

This time, Watts agreed without hesitation. "Of course."

He pointed to the landline phone on a side table in the living room.

Elodie was surprised-she'd expected him to refuse. But since he didn't, she took

it as a small victory.

She crossed the room, dialing a number she knew by heart.

But-

All she got was a dead line.

She frowned.

And turned to look at the man behind her, still lounging on the sofa, smiling at her with infuriating ease.