Chapter 4

The next day, the shipping group threw a small docking banquet for Emery. Gerald called first thing in the morning and ordered me to attend.

"If you don't show up, how does that look for Emmy?"

"Is she bringing Noah?" I asked.

Gerald lost his patience. "Noah is a business partner; of course he'll be there. Stop being so petty."

So, I went. I wore a black suit and left my wedding ring at home.

The dinner was held at the hotel by the docks. When I walked into the private dining room, Noah was sitting to Emery's left in a white suit with the wave-patterned watch on his wrist.

The cufflinks and tie clip were there too, the full set on display.

Gerald spotted me and waved me over immediately. "Corbin, come on. Sit over there by the door so the servers can get through."

Emery didn't object.

Noah looked up and gave me a faint smile. "Mr. Wilder, don't get the wrong idea. The accessories are just for a photo today. Emmy asked me to hold onto them for now."

A few people at the table chimed in.

"Captain Harlow has great taste. That wave design really suits Mr. Ford."

"She's a captain. Only someone who understands the sea can understand her."

"Don't be jealous, Mr. Wilder. Mr. Ford's practically family."

Emery raised her glass. "Alright, that's enough."

She told them to stop, but the smile tugging at the corner of her mouth said otherwise.

I sat by the door while a server placed the cold appetizers in front of me. My stomach couldn't handle cold seafood, and Emery used to know that, but right now she was busy serving warm dishes onto Noah's plate.

Noah walked over to me with his glass raised. "Mr. Wilder, a toast. Emmy always talks about how hard you work, taking care of her parents at home. I genuinely admire that."

I looked at the watch on his wrist. "What else does she say?"

A glint of amusement crossed Noah's eyes. "She always says you handle everything at home perfectly, but you've never been able to read the ocean in her heart."

The room went quiet for a second before someone jumped in to smooth things over with a laugh.

"That's how it goes for crew families. They don't get to see each other much. It takes understanding on both sides."

Gerald leaned over and muttered under his breath. "Just drink it. Don't embarrass yourself."

Emery looked at me. "Corbin, whatever this is, we can talk about it in private. Don't make a scene."

I picked up my glass but didn't drink from it. Instead, I poured the contents into the potted plant beside me.

Noah's expression shifted. Gerald shot to his feet. "Corbin Wilder!"

Emery stood up too, reaching out to pull me back. But just then, the first mate's husband, Wesley Pryce, pushed through the door from outside. His face was flushed from drinking, and he had a folded piece of paper clenched in his hand.

"I've been looking everywhere for you," he said.

He shoved the paper into my hand, his voice too loud to contain. "The supply shipment from Beauhaven wasn't just accessories. There's also a signed receipt authorization, and your name is on it. But I'm pretty sure you never signed anything."

The color drained from Emery's face, and she lunged for the paper. I stepped back and unfolded it.

At the bottom of the signature line, written clear as day, was my name, Corbin Wilder.

But it wasn't my handwriting.