17. Emily

Brendas voice fades into meaningless chatter as a wave of conflicting emotions washes over me. Excitement. Dread. A longing that sits heavy in my chest. I glance at Silas and hes awake, his brows drawn together in concern.

Theyve got shows in New York, Paris … My voice falters. But I just got here, and theres so much going on …

His gaze softens, a warmth that seems to seep into my very bones. Whats wrong, little fox? Just spit it out.

I want to stay, I admit, the words trembling a bit with the enormity of them. I want to fix this mess, unravel Dads secrets … and be with you guys. But … I trail off, my modeling career flashing through my mind—catwalks, photoshoots, a world so far removed from muddy boots and tangled vines.

Silas leans in, his eyes steady on mine. Okay, he says, the single word laced with quiet strength, and what do you want?

The question echoes, simple yet profound. I want … I want it all, I confess. But I know thats not realistic.

Says who? His lips quirk in a half-grin. Why cant you have the best of both worlds?

Because … I gesture helplessly. This place is a disaster. Dads letter, the vineyard, whatever else is lurking in the shadows. It isnt a simple job, Silas.

His eyes flicker around the room. The trouble ends when we get to the bottom of it, he says with a shrug. And that letter? Just another puzzle to solve. We can help, Emily. If you let us.

My heart does a strange little flutter. We?

Me, Caeleb, Finn. He shrugs, but his eyes hold a fierce intensity. Were invested now. Isnt that what you wanted?

Hes right. I did want their help, wanted their strength. And with a jolt, I realize how desperately I want them to stay. Alright, I say, resolve settling into me. But you guys better be prepared for a fight.

Silas reaches for his phone, a grin starting to stretch across his face. First order of business? Reinforcements.

Minutes later, hes barking instructions at Caeleb and Finn, their voices buzzing back over the line. While he strategizes with the guys, I dial Flora, her bubbly voice a welcome contrast to the tension buzzing through the room.

Em, whats up … Flora begins, but I cut her off, explaining the situation in a breathless rush. A beat of silence follows.

So, she breaks it. Youre not going back to New York just yet, right?

No, I reply quickly. But Im thinking its time to get to work. You wanted to help with the treasure hunt, Flo. Are you still game?

I dont know why, but the idea of doing this as one team suddenly has me feeling excited.

Of course, Em! Im more than game. Ill be there in a flash, she answers, the shrilly edge to her voice telling me shes just as psyched about this as I am. I hang up, energy surging through me. We have our team assembled; now its time to hunt. As the guys and Flora arrive, the mansion buzzes with a newfound purpose. The air thrums with anticipation, a delicious sort of chaos.

Alright, Princess, Caeleb booms, his eyes sparkling. Time to spill the beans. What exactly are we looking for?

The letter. I unfold the faded paper; Dads looping scrawl fills the page, a cryptic mix of clues and inside jokes. Flora frowns as she leans over my shoulder, her nose practically crinkling in concentration.

Dad and his rhymes. She sounds almost offended by its childishness. Its like he wants to trip us up on purpose.

A frustrated sigh escapes me. Dad always loved games. The words taste bitter. But was this just some grand joke? A way to torment us from beyond the grave?

Or … Caeleb muses, his chefs mind clearly working overtime. Maybe were looking at this all wrong. Could be a recipe of some kind, encoded. Think about it—ingredients, measurements …

Dont be ridiculous, Flora huffs, but theres a spark in her eyes I havent seen before. Annoyed determination.

Alright, alright, everyone settle down. Silas claps his hands, instantly drawing focus. Emily, read the letter out loud. Sometimes the answer comes when you hear it.

My voice rings out, filling the room. As I finish the last cryptic line, a heavy silence descends. Then, from the back of the room, Finn speaks, his voice low.

The weeping willow, always standing guard … His brow furrows. Theres an old willow down by the creek. Big one. Couldve been planted when this place was built.

The grand living room envelopes us, its warmth a stark contrast to the cool rationality we try to maintain. Sunlight streams through the tall windows, bathing the opulent furnishings in a soft glow. Flora taps a perfectly manicured nail against Dads letter, laid atop the gleaming mahogany coffee table. Caeleb paces with restless energy, the rich scent of pipe tobacco trailing after him.

Something tells me were missing a vital clue, he mutters under his breath. What is this crap about finding truths hidden in plain sight?

I read the riddle again, trying to counter the torrential rise of helplessness.

Where sunlight paints the sprawling green, and moonlit nights cast shadows keen, a legacy in riddles lies, where wealth awaits the wisest eyes.

Follow where the widow weeps, its ancient roots where secrets sleep. Count the paces, straight and true, where sun and shadow rendezvous.

Beneath the earth, a treasure waits, unveiled by time, unlocked by fates. Truths hidden in plain sight, heed the words, and claim your right.

Damn this to hell, I mutter.

Silas leans back against the velvet sofa, his focus unwavering as he takes the letter from me and scrutinizes it again. Finn, ever vigilant, rests a hand casually on the ornately carved mantel, his eyes sharp and alert. I catch an unexpected glint of humor in them; it eases the tension coiling in my gut.

The grandfather clock chimes, its rich tone a reminder of time slipping away. Frustration nibbles at the edges of my determination. Just as I open my mouth to suggest a break, perhaps a walk outside for some fresh air, a deafening crash splinters the silence.

Footsteps echo, and a flash of tailored suit draws my gaze.

Alec.

He doesnt just step into the room—he owns every inch of space he crosses. A practiced smirk stretches across his too-perfect features. Well, well, he purrs, his eyes flicking over each of us with calculated disdain. Company? This is far more entertaining than I anticipated. Malice drips from each word, landing on my skin like a cold splash.

Get out, I manage, my tone sharp.

Come on, Emily, dont be rude, he drawls, leaning against the doorframe with practiced nonchalance. Arent you going to at least offer me some tea? Or wine?

Dont test me, Alec, I say, my voice low and dangerous.

Now, now, Emily, he purrs, his eyes flicking over the gathered group. I see youve brought in reinforcements. You know, he continues, fixing his gaze on Silas, we always knew there was treasure buried in these parts. Old Harvey wasnt the type to leave his riches without a good challenge.

Silas steps forward, every inch of him radiating menace. These parts belong to Emily, he growls. And you arent welcome.

Such protective instincts. Alecs smile turns feral. But you forget, Im family. Emilys fortune is my fortune.

With a speed that takes us all by surprise, Finn lunges. Alec stumbles back with a startled cry, just managing to avoid Finns fist by an inch. Caeleb moves as well, blocking the space between Alec and me.

Get out, Finn repeats, fury etched on his face. Before I really give you something to complain about.

Alec glares, his bravado momentarily shaken. He flees, muttering curses under his breath.

Shes a whore, he spits out, all pretenses gone. And dont think I dont know what youre up to here, he lashes out at me. Using these men for your twisted games …

I want to rip into Alec, to scream at him until he flees back to whatever hole he crawled out of. But a bone-deep weariness holds me back, stealing my fury. Before I can even form a retort, Silas advances with a snarl.

Consider this your final warning, he rumbles, barely containing his anger. One more step on this property, and it wont just be a shove youll get.

Alec blusters for a moment, his eyes darting from Silas to Caeleb and Finn who flank him menacingly. My heart swells with a strange mix of warmth and a fierce sense of protection. He doesnt stand a chance against these three.

Youll regret this, he snarls, but its empty, a pathetic echo of his earlier bravado.

Caeleb steps forward, a giant of a man, and his voice is like the rumble of distant thunder. Regrets a dish we serve best around here, son. Would you like to try a bite?

Even Alec, with his boundless arrogance, seems to understand hes outmatched. He throws a final venomous glare, his eyes lingering on me with an intensity that makes my skin crawl.

This isnt over, Emily, he snarls. You can play games with your new friends, but you know what I know. And you can bet Ill use it.

Alec turns on his heel, the slam of the door his only farewell. The room is charged with barely restrained fury.

That slimy … Finn breaks off, shaking his head in disgust.

Dont worry about him anymore, Silas says, his voice a low growl. He steps closer, his dark eyes searching mine, and something in his gaze softens the hard edges of the moment. Well handle him.

Thanks, I whisper, my voice raw. I still feel unsettled, Alecs words echoing in the silent room.

Flora breaks the tense silence, her usual bubbly demeanor replaced by fierce determination. Well! she claps her hands together with forced cheer. Creepy half-brothers aside, we have a puzzle to solve! Whos ready to dig up some treasure?

Caeleb chuckles, a warm, comforting sound. Might need to break out my best shovel for this. But first—he gestures towards the kitchen with a flourish—treasure hunters need to eat!

A sense of normalcy returns as the heavenly aromas of bacon and fresh coffee fill the air. Its a testament to Caelebs culinary genius that even Alecs intrusion cant spoil the mood for long. We eat together, the men recounting stories of past misadventures, each tale adding a layer of camaraderie I already crave.

As I finish the last morsel of food on my plate, however, something disturbing lands in the recesses of my mind.

Alec didnt look like he was joking when he said that bit about having dirt on me.

The question that bothers me isnt related to him having dirt. I scan the eyes of the men seated at the table, biceps on display, smiles like the sunlight. For the first time, I think I could have a chance at something solid.

Unless, a voice creeps up into my mind. Unless Alec knows what youre doing with them, in which case …

Although the afternoon is unseasonably warm, I shiver. It would be a scandal.