Chapter 9: Another Hunter

“Scott is Ian’s half-brother and also rightful heir to the Hunter Legacy.” Her throat tightened. “He’s new in town.”

Confusion flickered across her parents’ faces.

She had no better way to explain it.

“Scott, this is my mom and dad—Ruth and Thomas Everson.” She looked at Scott from the corner of her eye, still avoiding his gaze.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Everson.”

“Oh, just call me Ruth. The pleasure is ours.” Her mom smiled warmly at Scott. “Let’s get you refreshed.”

She stood and headed to the kitchen.

“You have five minutes to explain… this.” Thomas gestured between Emily and Scott.

“Grandma Hilda is dead.”

His eyes widened, then relaxed.

“I was going to tell you, but I’ve been really busy.” Emily swallowed. “The funeral was a couple days ago. I knew you wouldn’t come, so I didn’t bother—”

“You’re right about that.” Thomas cut her off.

He downed his drink and refilled the glass.

“The Hunters are bad luck, We don’t care for any of them.”

He shot a look at Scott, who maintained his gaze unflinching.

“Tom, be nice.” Ruth returned with two glasses of orange juice, placing them on the table before sitting down.

“None of this explains why you brought in a Hunter when you should be married to another.” Thomas’s frustration was palpable.

“Ian divorced me—immediately after Grandma Hilda died. He had it all planned out.” Emily’s expression fell.

She physically shook her head, trying to dislodge the memory of Ian and Jane the day she signed the papers.

“Great.” Thomas drained his glass. “The one thing you’re supposed to be good at, and you failed.”

“I tried, okay? He never loved me.” Emily’s voice trembled.

“So you sold yourself off to another one?”

Emily shifted uncomfortably. She didn’t know how many more blows she could take.

“It’s more complicated than that. Ian threatened to sue—he said he lied and we’re still indebted to him.” Her chest felt heavy. “He said I owed him half a million dollars.” Panic crept into her voice.

Her words tumbled out faster. “I had no idea if he’d come back for you—I had to do something.”

Thomas stared, stunned.

Ruth leaned forward weakly, placing a hand on Emily’s shoulder. “Oh, Emily Anita Everson. What have you done?”

“Not you too.” Emily pulled back.

She was used to her dad’s disapproval. But not her mom’s. She’d expected her to understand.

Sadness crashed over her like an avalanche. Her shoulders sagged.

“I’ve done everything you ever asked me.” Emily’s voice shook. Tears burned her eyes. “I tried to make it work. I tried to be enough.”

Her voice cracked. “I make all the decisions so you don’t have to. I take care of Mom. I send money every month.”

She looked at her father, desperate for acknowledgment. “What more do you want from me?”

Silence.

“Yeah. Bad decisions. And this is your worst one yet.”

The words cut through her like a blade.

The room went silent.

Emily’s heart cracked. She held back tears—barely.

“If I may—” Scott said quietly.

“Mr. and Mrs. Everson, I understand this isn’t orthodox.” Scott addressed Thomas directly. “But I can assure you, your daughter has valid reasons.”

He placed a hand on his chest. “I promise I mean her no harm. If anything, I’m trying to help.”

He leaned forward. “Ruth, I have resources to get the best specialists in the country for your illness.” His gaze shifted. “And Mr. Everson, I can guarantee the best lawyers. Ian won’t come close if I put them on the case.”

Emily bristled. Why was he showing off? She didn’t need him intruding. She could handle this herself.

Thomas scoffed loudly. “You’re just another Hunter who thinks they can throw money at any problem to solve it.”

His face hardened. “You people ruined this family once. Now you’re back for seconds.”

He grabbed his bottle and glass and walked out.

As much as she hated to admit it, that was the first thing she and her dad agreed on.

Bringing a Hunter here was a mistake.

Ruth turned to Scott, tears glistening. “Don’t listen to him. He doesn’t mean it. Just—take care of our Em, please.”

Emily couldn’t stand seeing her mom like this.

“We’ll be leaving now.” Emily stood. Scott followed.

“I sent Dad money for your meds. I’ll send more—don’t let him drink it all.” Emily bent and hugged her mom, kissing her cheek.

“Bye, Ruth.” Scott nodded.

As soon as they were outside, Emily turned on him. Anger blazed in her eyes.

“I don’t appreciate you involving yourself in my family business.”

Scott looked genuinely caught off guard.

His obliviousness annoyed her more.

“I do not need you offering my family anything. It’s not your business, Mr. Hunter.”

“I was only trying to help—”

“I didn’t ask for your help in that regard.” Emily cut him off. “I’ve done just fine without you. You said you just wanted to meet them.”

“And I did, and now I understand—”

“No, Mr. Hunter. Don’t say you understand, because you have no idea.” Emily’s voice rose. “I am not a charity case. We signed the contract today. Can’t you just be a man of your word and stick to it?”

Something in Scott’s expression shifted.

“Fine. Sorry to intrude.” He turned and walked toward the car.

Emily stood there, still vibrating with unchecked anger.

Had she been too harsh?

No. She didn’t need him in her personal space. She had to set boundaries.

“You coming?”

Scott stood by the car.

Confusion crossed Emily’s face. She’d just yelled at him. How was he still calm? She’d expected anger, hurt—something. But he was still offering her a ride.

Her phone chimed.

[Nadine: The CEO of Everdale Pottery is at your office, ma’am. She’s requesting to see you… like, right now.]

Oh, God. Her last client was about to drop her.

Not now.

Emily’s heart sank.

“What’s wrong?” Scott asked, concern etched on his face.

“I need to get to work right now.”