Chapter 6 - The Truth in the Quiet
Emmett’s sleek black sedan was waiting at the front entrance of the estate. The driver held the door open, and we both slid into the leather interior.
For the first ten minutes of the drive, neither of us spoke. The quiet hum of the engine and the blur of green pine trees passing by the window provided a peaceful sanctuary from the hurricane we had just left behind.
"I'm sorry," I said softly, breaking the silence as I looked down at my hands. "I ruined your evening. You drove all the way from Boston for a disaster."
Emmett turned in his seat, leaning closer to me. "Jenna, look at me."
I raised my eyes to meet his.
"You didn't ruin anything," Emmett said, his voice filled with an earnest warmth that made my heart race. "I drove three hours from Boston for one reason only: to see you. I didn't care about the wedding. I didn't care about Nicholas's firm. I came because for the last two years, you've been the most incredible, brilliant, and selfless person in my life, and I couldn't stand the thought of you spending a weekend surrounded by people who don't appreciate you."
I swallowed hard, a sudden wave of emotion catching in my throat. "I spent my whole life thinking that if I just worked harder, if I got bigger clients, if I made more money, my family would finally see me as equal to Nicholas."
"They will never see you as equal, Jenna," Emmett said gently, reaching out to cover my hand with his. "Because you are miles above them. You don't build your worth on titles, suits, or stepping on other people. You build it on truth. That’s why your writing touches millions of people. That’s why I trust you with my company's voice."
His fingers were warm against mine. I didn't pull away.
"Where are we going?" I asked softly.
May you like
"To my private residence in Stowe," Emmett smiled, his eyes twinkling under the faint dashboard lights. "I have a personal chef who makes a mean truffle pasta, a quiet patio overlooking the mountains, and zero screaming children or arrogant brothers."
For the first time all day, a real, unburdened smile spread across my face. "That sounds perfect."
