How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Jarrod could tell something was off with Elodie, but he also knew what she needed most right now was his arms around her.

He didn't say a word, just pulled her in and held her tight.

He gently patted her back, a silent gesture of comfort.

Their camp wasn't exactly close by, so it took a while before they finally touched down.

Only after they landed did Elodie finally let out a breath she'd been holding, the tension easing from her shoulders.

Jarrod was the first to step off the plane. He reached up to her, his hands steady and reassuring, guiding her down each step until her feet were safely on the ground.

Fleming followed, glancing over to make sure Elodie was okay. "Everyone's been worried sick about you, Elodie. Thank God you're alright. If you'd gotten hurt..."

He didn't even finish before a voice echoed from across the tarmac.

"Elodie!"

Before she could even turn, Esmeralda came barreling toward her, throwing her arms around Elodie and bursting into tears—completely unconcerned about her appearance or that Fleming was watching. All she cared about was that Elodie was safe.

"Oh my God, you're okay! I haven't slept in days, I was worried sick! Watts Aldridge—what kind of person is he?!" Esmeralda let go just long enough to give Elodie a quick once-over, making sure she wasn't hurt, then hugged her again, sobbing even louder.

She squeezed in so close that Jarrod was practically shoved aside.

He'd been holding Elodie's hand, but in the chaos, Esmeralda managed to pry it away and placed Elodie's hand on top of her own head, desperate for comfort.

Elodie quickly patted her shoulder, trying to calm her down. "Hey, hey, I'm fine- really. Not a scratch on me. Look at you, though! Everyone's watching, you know. Save the tears for later."

Esmeralda sniffled. "Like I care!"

God knew how scared she'd been.

This wasn't home. The past few days, every possible nightmare had played through her mind. She'd heard stories from locals about ruthless gangs and the things they did to people-enough to keep her wide awake most nights.

Even when it came to Watts, she couldn't help but think, what if he had hired someone else to do his dirty work?

Fleming caught every flicker of emotion on Esmeralda's face.

He'd always known this side of her-outspoken, a bit reckless, but fiercely loyal and genuine.

Seeing her finally relax, he decided not to say more. Instead, he turned and headed over to Adrian, striding away across the tarmac.

Elodie's heart ached for how much Esmeralda had worried. She kept her voice

soft and soothing, doing her best to comfort her friend.

Jarrod could only step back and let Elodie handle it.

Not long after, Elodie's phone rang with a call from home.

Her superiors wanted her to return immediately, insisting she'd been through enough and deserved a break.

Elodie hesitated, then replied, "This was a mix of accident and foul play. I'll make sure my work is wrapped up properly, don't worry. I won't let this throw me off. This is an important hub for us-I can handle shovel.net She knew the fallout from the

incident had triggered all kinds of et

unnecessary interventions and diplomatic headaches. Giving up now just wasn't in her nature.

She was tougher than that.

Her determination earned her respect from the other end of the line. After a few words of encouragement, the call ended.

Elodie decided she'd see her mission through, but she also asked for a few days off-which was quickly approved.

She made up her mind to head to New York City with Jarrod right away.

Jarrod arranged the flight that very evening.

Esmeraldą, upon learning about thenoveldrama

baby, wanted to tag along, but work demanded she stay behind. She could only watch them go,

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reluctantly.

The plane Jarrod chartered was private, ensuring every comfort for the long journey ahead.

Nothing was left to chance: there was a bedroom, a lounge, even an entertainment area.

When Elodie mentioned she was hungry, Jarrod had a meal brought in for her.

She thought for a moment, then picked up her fork and settled herself right beside Jarrod on the couch.

It caught him a little off guard, but he couldn't help smiling.