“Now, what about the Harold situation?" Emery asked. “We know that’s going to keep coming up, and I’m honestly tired of dodging the question.”
“What do you want to say about it?” Riley asked.
Emery thought about the humiliation, the betrayal, the three months of carrying shame for something she didn't do. "I want to say he's a lying snake who destroyed my career for—and that’s the problem. I don’t know why he did it.”
"Perfect. Say that." Brea shrugged.
"Mom.” Riley's voice rose. “You know she can’t say that.”
“Maybe not those words, but no reason she can’t be honest.” Brea smiled. “Emery didn’t do it. And you called me mom.”
“It just slipped out.” Riley sighed. "Right now, we need Emery to sound professional, not vindictive."
"Why can't she be both?" Ashley asked. "Professional people can be righteously pissed when they're wronged.
Emery looked around the room at these women—Devon's mother, his sisters, his brother's girlfriend, who was practically family already. They were strong, opinionated, and unafraid to speak their minds. They weren't asking her to be perfect, polished, or politically correct.
They were asking her to be real.
“It sounds like I’m fighting back,” Emery said quietly.
“I like it, but we should make sure Walter’s on board,” Riley said.”
“He’ll agree. I’ll make sure of it.” Brea's voice was warm with approval. "But we have to be smart. Don't sink to Harold's level. Don't make wild accusations you can't support. Just tell your truth and trust that people who matter will see it for what it is."
"And the people who don't?" Emery asked.
"Fuck them," Hasley said cheerfully.
“Language.” Brea's tone held no real censure.
"What? You were thinking it." Hasley laughed.
"I was thinking it more diplomatically." Brea raised her coffee cup and sipped, with her pinky sticking out.
The room erupted in laughter, the tension breaking like a burst bubble. Emery felt something loosen in her chest—anxiety giving way to something that felt almost like confidence.
"Okay," Riley said, still smiling as she composed herself. "Let's go through a few more potential questions. I’ll ask them like I’m the reporter.” She cleared her throat. “Emery, what drew you to wine authentication specifically?"
"The intersection of art and science," Emery answered. "I've always been fascinated by provenance—how you trace an object's history, verify its authenticity, build a narrative from fragments of evidence. Wine authentication combines chemistry, art history, detective work, and storytelling. It's like solving a puzzle where the pieces span centuries."
"Perfect," Riley said, typing. "That's exactly the kind of answer that shows your passion and expertise. Now, what about?—"
"Riley, sweetheart, she's got this." Brea interrupted gently. "Stop drilling her like she's preparing for a deposition. Let's talk about something else for a few minutes. Give her brain a rest."
“Oh, no. Don’t. I beg of you.” Riley set the tablet down. “I’ve known this family my entire life, and it was hard on me coming back in. Imagine how overwhelming it’s going to be on her.”
“Her is sitting in the room, and frankly, I’m getting a little tired of everyone speaking like I’m not here,” Emery said, turning her attention to Brea. “Whatever you want to chat about, I’m good with.”
“Let’s discuss the fact that Devon's been staying at your place since the break-in." Hasley’s grin was wicked. "How's that going?"
Emery felt her face heat. "It's... he's being protective."
"I'm sure he's being very protective," Ashley said, her tone suggestive. "And from the way you two look at each other, I'd say the protection is mutual—and hopefully being used, unless you want to beat Riley into parenthood.”
“That’s not funny,” Riley said. “I can’t even get your brother to understand all the hints I’ve been dropping since I learned about that engagement ring. If he doesn’t do it soon, I might be the one dropping to one knee.”
“Well, that’s a revelation.” Brea clasped her hands together and rubbed vigorously. “And while I’d love to sit and discuss that for hours, because you know I’ve got ideas, we were discussing Emery and Devon’s… living situation.”
