How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Elodie's words brought a fleeting shadow across Watts' face.

He truly hadn't seen this coming-there was another layer to all this.

Around the conference table, everyone's expressions shifted dramatically.

Elodie's work on the U.N2 project had ushered in a new era of integrated reconnaissance and attack technology, setting a benchmark for scientific achievement. That honor alone meant that, even if she had falsified her data this time, those in power would have likely let it slide.

In other words, as long as Elodie didn't cross a real line, her position was untouchable.

And yet, now she'd revealed something entirely unexpected.

The creation of U.N2-Jarrod had played a part?

In truth, Elodie herself had only learned this recently. After several rounds of diagnostics and a few candid conversations with Jeremiah, she realized that Jarrod had started his materials company much earlier than she'd thought.

Back then, she'd been racking her brain over a breakthrough in U.N2's material. It was at that moment that someone reached out, offering support to her research team. She hadn't known exactly where the help came from.

But after reviewing the data and connecting the dots, she was certain-Jarrod was the one.

He'd never once let it slip. Not even the slightest hint.

And now, Jarrod didn't deny it.

He'd set all this in motion long ago, and honestly, he was surprised Elodie had figured it out.

With the trump card of U.N2 revealed, the dynamic in the room shifted once again.

Jarrod lifted his gaze and, standing shoulder to shoulder with Elodie, glanced at Watts before speaking in a calm, almost offhand manner: “What a coincidence. I'm familiar with Mr. Aldridge's company. Two years ago, had a business dispute. Back then, Mr. Aldridge's technology and supply chain couldn't hold up, and the company had to close its doors. I didn't expect it would be back in operation these past two years. Still, I'm the type who likes to keep records of old scores. I've kept detailed notes on the issues that led your company to lose out to mine. Oh, and since I've been traveling abroad recently, I took the liberty of checking up on Mr. Aldridge's current production methods. It seems... they're still a step behind mine."

At those words, Watts' expression turned icy.

Jarrod signaled Andrea, who handed out another set of documents.

Klein and Clifford skimmed through them.noveldrama

It was true-Watts' company was back on its feet, but the files also outlined

several hidden risks, all backed up with up-to-date figures.

Watts' eyes grew even colder.

He hadn't anticipated Jarrod would be so thorough.

Just recently, Watts had

orchestrated a move to draw Jarrod away from his company's headquarters, forcing him to drop everything and fly overseas. What he hadn't realized was that, during the trip when Jarrod was supposed to be sorting out the Verdama situation, he'd also managed to dig deep into Watts' operations-and come away with all this inside information.

Not once had Jarrod let slip what he was really up to.

Watts turned his gaze to Elodie. The two of them-husband and wife-stood together, an unshakeable front.

Klein and Clifford exchanged a glance, both understanding exactly how the tide had turned.

Jarrod didn't even wait for their

response he spoke first, steady and

reassuring: "Don't worry, everyone.

I'll handle the fallout from the

incident. There's no need fort to trouble any of you."

With Jarrod taking responsibility, there was nothing left to say.

Klein shot Watts a look-after all, he'd known him since he was a kid. He stepped forward and gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Let's take things slow with this partnership."

Half the people in the room started to file out.

Watts fixed his gaze on Jarrod, then finally, with a bitter twist to his mouth, said, "Mr. Silverstein, don't you ever get tired?"

All these mind games-especially when Jarrod was under the most pressure?

Jarrod met his look evenly. "You've improved, Mr. Aldridge. But you're still not a threat to me."

The easy warmth usually found in Watts' face had vanished, leaving only a chill. Elodie said nothing.

Jarrod took her by the wrist and led her out.

Watts' eyes lingered on Elodie's face.

This time, she didn't spare him a single glance.

It was the first time he'd ever seen Elodie look at someone with such utter

indifference—and it stung more than he cared to admit.

He stared at her slender, retreating figure for a long moment, his eyes cold and empty.

Lily had remained motionless this whole time.

Eventually, she walked over to Watts and said quietly, "For what it's worth, I hope you weren't involved in this."

But the truth was... if Elodie hadn't protected her, she would've been the first one thrown under the bus.