How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

He would never let Elodie shoulder everything alone again.

He didn't mention anything about the Harcourt family.

But Elodie understood.

She realized, perhaps, that whatever was going on with the Harcourts was no simple matter.

So she wisely refrained from pressing him further.

As for the surgery-

"Thank you." She knew Jarrod had gathered nothing but the world's top

specialists for her, and the least she could do was express her gratitude.

With her life hanging in the balance, this was hardly the time to fuss over pride or dignity.

Besides, Jarrod had helped her so many times, overtly and behind the scenes, she'd lost count.

"If you really want to thank me, then cooperate with the treatment. I won't accept anything less than a smooth recovery-no surprises, no setbacks." Jarrod stood, his gaze fixed on her pale face. His voice caught in his throat before he continued, softer, "Elodie, you're the only one I'm responsible for. If you're worried about your grandmother and uncle, then you need to fight through this—no matter what. Let me put it this way: if anything happens to you, I won't be the one looking after them. That's your job, not mine."

He finished.

Gently, he patted the top of her head.

Then turned and walked out.

He didn't let Elodie see the turbulence in his expression.

But Elodie knew exactly what kind of emotion was behind Jarrod's so-called "threat."

Maybe, just maybe...

He was truly afraid.

Otherwise, he'd never resort to such heavy-handed tactics.

She let her gaze drop, unconsciously resting a hand over her stomach.

Leaving the old family estate, Jarrod noticed a call from Malcom flashing on his phone.

He ignored it.

Instead, he drove straight back to Silverstein Group headquarters.

He knew guests would be arriving today.

And the issue weighing heaviest on Elodie's mind-he needed to resolve it first.

As Jarrod headed upstairs, Andrea hurried to catch up and brief him. "Mr. Silverstein, President Harcourt of Harcourt Group is here."

"Send him in."

He'd barely sat down before Malcom was shown into the office.

Malcom looked exhausted-clearly weighed down by pressing troubles-but his eyes brightened when he caught sight of Jarrod. "Jarrod, finally! I've been trying to reach you."

The last few days had not been kind to Malcom. He'd expanded a project, convinced the team was reliable, only for things to unravel. Just two days ago, major issues surfaced: the partner company turned out to be deeply problematic, embroiled in international lawsuits He'dnoveldrama

borrowed not just from banks, but also leveraged Jarrod's name-his son-in-law's reputation-to secure loans from associates and other companies.

Now, with the project collapsing, he was caught in a deadly bind.

No wonder he'd been so desperate for Elodie's help. And yet, his own daughter

had refused him, heartlessly ignoring her father's plight.

Jarrod said nothing, just watched him.

Malcom grew restless, anxiety bleeding into his voice. "Jarrod, about that project you mentioned

before did go for it, but things net

went south. The Harcourt family's in deep trouble. I need your help to get through this. Everyone knows about the connection between our families. I'm sure you won't just stand by and watch me go under,

right?"

If Jarrod would only lend him the money, his problem would be solved in an instant.

But Jarrod's eyes were cold, the memory of Malcom's threats against Elodie still ringing in his ears.

He didn't so much as flinch. "I hear you're still holding those so-called 'photos' of my wife?"

Malcom's face instantly changed.

He understood at once.

Jarrod must have found out that he'd threatened Elodie with those pictures.

"Wait, it's a misunderstanding-I'm her father! I'd never do something so despicable―"

"I want every negative, every file. You wipe your end clean, got it?" Jarrod didn't bother with Malcom's excuses. He tossed his car keys onto the desk with a sharp crack.

The sound seemed to land right in Malcom's gut.

He bristled. "Jarrod, you've got it all wrong—”

"President Harcourt, do you really think you have a choice here?" Jarrod leaned forward, elbows on the desk his gaze icy Even if you refuse, I have plenty of ways to bury Harcourt Group. Understand this: I'm giving you a chance."