Chapter 8
If she stayed on her ideal academic path, she would’ve ended up in aerospace engineering
Drones had become one of the most significant technological advancements of the era, with uses spanning everything from the military to civilian life and agriculture
Back then, her professor only agreed to write her a recommendation to the research institute because she’d designed and provided technical guidance for the integrated reconnaissance and combat drone, model UN combined long–range capability, heavy payload, high speed, and automated controls–a breakthrough in the field that had already seen real military deployment
Inside the industry, her work had set the gold standard.”
Yet after her manage derailed her career, she found herself physically and emotionally battered. Cancer at such a young age cast a shadow over her future–she had no idea how much time she had left!!
But that painful joumey taught her something
In the end, you have to put yourself first. Live for yourself.
Even if she couldn’t be cured, she wasn’t going to let regret define her remaining days.
She wanted
To return to her field. To dig back into the dreams she’d once nurtured
Esmeralda knew nothing about engineering hersell, but she had deep pockets–and Vistalink Technologies had some of the brightest minds in the business
Esmeralda provided the funding the other side brought the expertise. In just a few years, VistaLink Technologies had become a rising star in Eldermen’s tech scene.
dark horse with a sterling reputation.
But still-
“You know, when I chose to get married, he cut all contact with me. He runs VistaLink Technologies now. I doubt had want me there
The man who wrote Elodie’s recommendation had been his father. Both father and son had believed in her, invested so much hope and effort, convinced she’d go on to achieve something remarkable–maybe even bring pride to their country.
But after she got mamed, she let them down
Esmeralda scratched her head. “Alexander acts tough, but he’s soft underneath you know that. Let me set something up for you two to talk it out. Honestly, I think he misses you”
Elodie managed a bitter smile
If Malcom hadhit schemed to boost his status–if he hadn’t set her up and then threatened her into giving up everything she loved her life might have turned out dazzlingly different
Her phone buzzed. Octavis was calling…
Elodie frowned and declined the call
With the divorce looming, she had no patience left for Octavia’s antics
But Octavia wouldn’t give up–tier calls kept coming, insistent and entitled.
On the fifth ring. Elodie pressed her lips together and answered
“You’re so annoying! Cant you see it’s me calling?
“What do you want?‘%%
“There’s a parent teacher meeting at ten. You need to go for my brother. If anyone asks, just say you’re our housekeeper, got it?”
Her brother had just gone public with Sylvie, and Octavia didn’t want anyone getting the wrong idea about Sylvie
Elodestone was calm and measured. Ym not your mother I’m not your sister–in–law anymore. You can ask your legal guardian. And another thing-
“You’re old enough to understand what manners are supposed to mean
Elodie ended the call!
She felt drained.
Octavia had never liked her kids always picked up on the attitudes of the adults around them. Octavia thought she’d forced Jarrod into manage, and for three years, every vacation, Octavia would show up just to make her life difficult–demanding meals, laundry, finding new ways to cause trouble
When things first started heating up between Janod and Sylvie, Octavia would come over just to keep Elodie from interfering in their budding romance
Seventeen years old–she should know better by now.
Elodie owed her nothing. She didn’t need to indulge her anymore i
When Esmeralda saw that Elodie was finally standing up for herself, she realized Elodie was truly set on divorce. She turned back to VistaLink Technologies, ready to talk Alexander Sterling into meeting with Elodie
Elodie woted for her TV drip to finish
Close to free clock, the phone rang again–this time, Janod’s mother
Elodie hesitated before answering ||
“Where’s Detavia? She said you’d go to the parent teacher meeting. The teacher said you never showed, Octavia called in sick, and now no one can find her Lucinda’s voice was sharp and impatient
Elodie frowned
Dhe hadn’t seen this coming
Lunds had never been satisfied with her in fact, she’d always been borderline hostile. If Elodie hadn’t trapped her son, Lucinda would have made sure Jarred mamied someone from the night social circle li
1 don’t know” Floche replied.
“You’re the one who bailed! Trying to dodge responsibility again?”
“No wonder you haven’t given us a child in three years–you can’t even manage the basics of caring for a kid
A frail, older woman’s voice interupted from the other end. “Let’s not get upset. You know what Elodie’s like Several soft coughs followed. “Octavia’s not a child anymore She’s not Elodie’s responsibility.”
Jarrod’s grandmother was the only one in the Silverstein family who’d ever truly cared for her. For three years, she’d protected Elodie Jarrod had only agreed to many her because his grandmother’s health was fragile–she couldn’t handle stress. Plus, Jarrod’s grandfather and Elodie’s own grandfather had been comrades–in–arms, so the old woman had taken a genuine liking to Elodie and smoothed the way for the marriage X
Now, with the old woman’s health at risk, Elodie reconsidered. Til try to reach Octavia
Maybe she’d indulged Octavia too much in the past, and her blunt words today had stung. At that age, rebellion was normal but it wasn’t safe for a teenage girl to be out on her own. Flodie’s harshness had probably played a part.
She pulled out the IV needle, head spinning barely able to stay on her feet. She dialed Octavia’s number again and again.
No answer!
Each call was rejected immediately
Like Octavia was purposefully toying with her
Elodie’s years in PR hadn’t been for nothing–she was a master at reading between the lines. She combed through Octavia’s social media, playlists, and status Updates
Finally, she pinpointed the location of a billiards club.
When she arrived, she recognized plenty of familiar faces in the VIP room.
At the very center of it all were Jamod and Sylvie
Right then, Octavia was hanging off Sylvie, peppering her with questions about Verdant University
‘t call
When she spotted Elodie out of the comer of her eye, Octavia immediately clung to Sylvie and piped up, “Since my brother likes Syrie so much, I guess I won’t you ‘Miss Sylvia‘ anymore.”
“How about calling you Sister–in–law instead?”
