How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

After settling on a time, Elodie arranged to meet at VistaLink Technologies.

When Albin arrived, he couldn't help but give Elodie a quick once-over. The last time they'd seen each other had been at city hall.

He immediately noticed the change in her. These days, the story of Ms. Thorne at VistaLink Technologies was circulating widely outside their circle. This case was turning into Elodie's first major battle in academia-one that had caught the attention of anyone following the famous "Verdant University thesis” incident. "Ms. Thorne, it's been a while," Albin said, stepping forward to shake her hand. Elodie stood to greet him, then asked Candida to bring in coffee.

"Albin, it's good to see you again. I assume you're up to speed with my case?"

Albin nodded as he took a seat. "I looked over the files the firm sent while I was in London a few days ago. I've got a general idea. As you know, intellectual property cases aren't exactly popular with most lawyers-not because they're necessarily difficult, but because the boundaries are so vague. That's what makes them complex."

“I understand,” Elodie replied. “We do have some evidence, but I want to pursue Selma for the majority of her early work-not just a piece or two." If it had only been a single painting, things would have been much simpler.

Albin nodded again, not appearing daunted. "Complexity doesn't mean it can't be handled. Since you've come to me, I'll do my best not to let you down."

They discussed the necessary steps of the case in a crisp, professional exchange. Elodie was cooperative throughout.

"If you trust me, you can leave this to me," Albin assured her. "I'll handle the follow-up."noveldrama

A faint smile touched Elodie's lips. "I believe in your professionalism, Albin. No doubts on my end."

She paused, then looked him in the eye, her meaning clear. "I want to be sure—- Albin, you do know who Sylvie and Selma are, right?”

Albin looked at her steadily. "You're asking if I'm willing to risk upsetting Mr. Silverstein by taking this case, aren't you?"

Elodie pressed her lips together. That was exactly what she needed to know.

Albin gathered up the documents on the table. "I'm not worried-and I don't think Mr. Silverstein will mind, either. This is just a professional engagement between you and me."

He seemed completely unconcerned.

Elodie studied him for a moment. He

really did seem unruffled, as if the

connection between Sylvie and Jarrod didn't trouble him in the slightest. That reassured her. Albin

had shown even a hint of hesitation, she would have reconsidered everything.

After their discussion, Albin stood and nodded politely. "Ms. Thorne, I'll be in

touch. If you have any more evidence, just send it my way."

"Thank you, Albin."

Once he'd left, Elodie finally let out a

breath she hadn't realized she was holding With Albin's expertise,

things should go a little more smoothly. Regardless, she was prepared for a long battle ahead.

Later that afternoon, Elodie heard some news: Selma's contract with the art institute had been terminated, and she was now facing a massive penalty for breach of contract.

It was Patricia who brought her that piece of insider information.

Elodie, however, wasn't fazed. A penalty like that probably meant little to people like Sylvie and her circle. If past experience was anything to go by, Jarrod would step in and make it all go away.

That wasn't Elodie's

concern. All she

cared about was winning the

case-making sure both Selma and

Sylvie paid the price. After all, Sylvie had basked in the luxury and prestige Selma brought her, and knowing the truth all along, felt no guilt whatsoever. She was, by far, the biggest beneficiary—and hardly innocent.