How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Fleming nodded his agreement with Jarrod's plan, glancing through the internal reports. “Headquarters back home is already in contact with the leadership here. They're moving fast to keep everyone informed, so I'd expect an update soon."

With both domestic and international authorities stepping in, local officials would do everything possible to cooperate.

Jarrod gave a curt nod. This was exactly the result he was after.

Getting in touch with command back home right away had been about buying time. His backup plan might just come into play now. Glancing at his phone, he continued, "Since we've got colleagues on the ground, I want to deploy the satellites for a search, paired with a wide-area sweep using drones. Luckily, there's no shortage of drone operators here."

The team here was ready to follow his every directive.

Elodie's safety came first-and given her unique background, the higher-ups were paying close attention.

Virtually overnight, everyone was mobilized. Calls were made, red tape was cut, and all necessary clearances were secured.

Three hours later.

Jarrod was glued to the monitors when finally, there was a breakthrough Elodie's convoy was spotted leaving the safe zone.

His brows drew together.

A moment later, another convoy appeared on the feed-Quinn's.

Seeing that blacked-out line of vehicles, Jarrod's stomach clenched. If Quinn could track him down, he'd certainly recognize Elodie. If she fell into Quinn's hands-

"Wait! Elodie's group was taken by someone else!" Esmeralda's voice rose as she pointed out a corner of the screen.

Another

group had arrived.

Their exchange was brief-just a few minutes at most-but they seemed almost familiar, as if they knew each other.

But when the team tried to follow up, the signal vanished.

The feed cut out.

That was the end of the trail.

For now, all they could confirm was that Elodie had managed to get out.

But the fact that she hadn't reached out to them was troubling.

Jarrod's gaze turned pensive.

At least now he was certain: Elodie was safe, for the moment.

But the people who'd taken her hadn't revealed themselves. What were they

waiting for a bargaining chip?

Just then, his phone buzzed.

For a split second, he hoped it was news about Elodie.

But the caller ID showed a different, all-too-familiar number.

An old contact.

The instant Jarrod saw it, his eyes turned icy.

He stood and stepped outside to take the call.

"Mr. Aldridge, did you take Elodie?"

He cut right to the chase, not wasting a single word.

Watts wasn't surprised by Jarrod's sharpness. If he hadn't been this e

damned difficult to deal St

perceptive, he wouldn't be so elur

Watts didn't bother dancing around the truth.

He replied evenly, "That's right. She's right here with me, safe and sound.

Mr. Silverstein, you can rest easy-I'll

take good care of her." Co I'll

There was a clear note of provocation in his voice.

Jarrod didn't react, staring into the thick darkness outside, his tone cold as steel.

"State your terms."

He knew Watts didn't call just to reassure him.

After all these years, they knew each other too well.

Watts gave a low chuckle. "Mr. Silverstein, you never let a guy build up to it-even

small talk's off the table with you."

But then, he got down to business,

"A few years back, I lost to

vel.n.

you-Verdania's entire market, you locked me out completely. That's not how this should work."

"So?" Jarrod's voice was flat.

"I want Verdania's entire supply chain."

A cold laugh slipped from Jarrod's lips. "You don't lack ambition."

He knew exactly what Watts wanted to swallow every resource in Verdania. Andnoveldrama

to break into his home market.

Big talk.

But Watts was unfazed. “And what if I told you, the kid you keep tucked away in

New York is part of this negotiation too?"