Page 35 of Reclaimed Roots

There was no way I could just hand this over to some buyer who wouldn't give two shits about this family. No matter what truth was lurking beneath the surface, I had to get to the bottom of it. Had to find a way to help them, to save Ever Eden.

I opened afresh document to start compiling my findings. I'd need concrete evidence, an ironclad case to present if—when—I confronted the Evertons about this mess. I might have been a "big-city hotshot" for a while, but this was personal. Which meant I couldn't afford to make even the slightest miscalculation.

I was so engrossed in my work that I didn't hear the office door open until a familiar voice broke the stillness.

"Natty Light!"

My startled heart pounded as Chase bounced into the office.

"Hey, Chaser." I tried for a casual tone, but it came out strained. "What're you doing here?"

He shrugged, all nonchalance as he leaned against the doorframe. "Just thought I'd pop in and see my favorite girl. It's been too long."

"I saw you a few days ago, dork. But your timing is impeccable as always." I gestured to the stacks of files covering every available surface. "I'm drowning in paperwork over here."

His eyes widened in horror. "Sweet Jesus, Nat, what have you gotten yourself into?"

"Oh, you know. Just trying to single-handedly rifle through thirty years of work to make it somewhat presentable to a potential buyer."

Chase's expression sobered as he crossed the room to perch on the edge of my desk. "That bad, huh?"

I sighed, pushing a hand through my hair. "Honestly? Ihave no idea. The books are a mess, the accounts are all over the place. I'm starting to think..."

I trailed off. I couldn't bear to voice my suspicions, not out loud. And especially not to Chase. He might have been the black sheep of the Everton clan, but he loved his family. I didn't want to worry him until I had to.

He frowned, studying me intently. "What? You're starting to think what, Nat?"

I waved a dismissive hand. "It's nothing. Just a lot to process. I'm sure it'll all make sense once I get a handle on things."

"Well, you know what they say—all work and no play makes Natty Light a very dull girl." He slid off the desk with a wink. "C'mon, let's get out of this depressing office for a bit. You need a break."

"Chase, I couldn't just?—"

"Yes, you could. In fact, you're going to. Doctor's orders."

"You're not a doctor."

"Semantics."

I opened my mouth to protest further, but he cut me off with a look.

"Don't make me call in reinforcements. You know I'll do it."

My mouth twitched into a reluctant smile as I pictured him dragging Jasper in here to gang up on me. As overbearing as Chase could be, he had a point. I could use a reprieve from these maddening numbers and the sinking pit of dread they were inspiring.

"Fine," I conceded, snapping my laptop closed. "You win. But just for an hour or two, okay? I can't stay out too late."

Chase's answering grin was pure trouble, and he held up two fingers. "Scout's honor, Nat. Now grab your shit and let's blow this popsicle stand."

I obediently gathered my things, an odd sense of excitement thrumming beneath my skin. It had been too long since I'd let loose, allowed myself to be reckless and irresponsible even for a night. Two shots at Andy's birthday hadn't done the trick. Sammy's sour attitude and Chase's alarming behavior had been much too effective at sobering me up.

Maybe it would do me good to embrace the chaos for once. To let go of the burdens weighing me down and just... breathe.

"So where are we going, oh wise and benevolent friend of mine?" I asked as we stepped out onto the sidewalk.

The weather in northern Michigan was beautiful this time of year. I was busy closing my eyes and tilting my head back, feeling the sun warm my face when Chase slung his arm around my shoulders, steering us down the block.

"Where else? Callaghan's is calling our names."

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