Chapter 6 - The Rival from VermontThe grand dining table in the McAllister farmhouse glittered with candlelight, fresh pine garlands, and roast turkey.
Harrison Vance sat at the head of the table, reviewing financial ledgers, while Julianna sat opposite Noah and me, attempting every subtle trick to undermine our credibility.
âItâs curious, Eleanor,â Julianna purred over her wine glass, her voice dripping with artificial warmth. âNoah never mentioned a wedding during the four years he and I knew each other in Vermont. When exactly did you two marry?â
I set my fork down calmly, holding Noahâs hand under the table. His grip was warm, strong, and reassuring.
âWe married in Nevada ten years ago, Miss Ross,â I answered smoothly, looking her straight in the eye. âWe were young, passionate, and smart enough to keep our private life away from corporate gossip.â
Harrison Vance smiled slightly, impressed by my poise. âA private marriage has its charms. But Mrs. McAllister, if the bank approves this loan, are you prepared to relocate permanently from Boston to manage the farmâs new botanical division?â
The room went dead quiet.
Noah looked at me, his breath caught in his throat. He knew about my dream shop, Juniper & Rose, in Boston. He knew the twenty-five thousand dollars he offered was meant to take me away from him forever.
I looked at Miriam, then at the stone fireplace where our wedding picture had hung, and finally at the man whose ring was still sitting on my nightstand upstairs.
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âMy heart has always been in this soil, Mr. Vance,â I spoke clearly, my voice unwavering. âMy flower shop isn't just in Boston. The McAllister Botanical Division is my future.â
Noahâs eyes widened in profound, overwhelming shock and joy.
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