Page 74 of Reclaimed Roots

I shot Jay a grateful look before continuing. "It's not just the orchard. Several local businesses?—"

A sudden crash from the kitchen made us all jump. Emma leapt to her feet, her face pale.

"Oops. Broke a glass. Sorry, Em."

The raspy male voice drifted in from the kitchen. A few seconds later, Nana and Papa Everton hobbled into the room. Papa guided Nana to a seat on the couch between Chase and Elliot. Both twins leaned in to give their grandmother a kiss on the cheek.

"Heard there was a family meeting. Our invitation must've gotten lost in the post," Nana said.

"You scared the shit out of me." Emma blew out a long breath and rubbed a hand over her chest.

"Language, Mother."

Despite the awful situation, I had to fight to keep a straight face as Emma glared at Chase.

"Carry on, Natalie," Papa Everton said.

"The discrepancies aren't isolated to Ever Eden," Icontinued, my voice wavering. "Several local businesses were affected by Dad's... oversights."

I should've noticed sooner. I should've been there for him.

"How bad is it?" Elliot leaned forward, frowning.

I tried to respond, but the guilt constricted my throat, choking off my words. My eyes darted around the room, unable to settle on any one face.

"Natalie, dear," Emma's gentle voice cut through my panic. "Let me get you some water."

She rose, patting my shoulder as she passed. The simple gesture of kindness made me feel even worse. I didn't deserve it.

"Thanks," I croaked.

She returned with the water, and I took a grateful sip, using the moment to collect myself.

"The orchard's losses are significant," I said, my voice steadier now. "But I think with some restructuring and?—"

"How significant?" Elliot asked. "Thousands?"

I grimaced. "More like tens of thousands."

Another horrible silence fell over the room.

Chase, who had been unexpectedly quiet, finally spoke up. "What does this mean for the orchard's future? Are we gonna lose it?"

The worry in his voice brought me up short. I looked up, meeting his eyes for the first time since I started speaking. He looked like an anxious little boy who'd just heard Christmas might be canceled.

"I don't know," I admitted softly. "But I'm going to do everything I can to make sure that doesn't happen."

Jay paced the room. I held my breath, waiting for the anger, the disappointment, the blame.

But when he turned to face me, his expression was thoughtful, almost... grateful?

"Natalie," he said, perching on the arm of Emma's chair and sliding an arm around her shoulders. "Thank you for your honesty and diligence in uncovering these problems."

"I... what?"

"You heard me. This situation isn't your fault. You've done us a great service by bringing it to light."

Emma nodded, reaching out to pat my hand. "We're grateful. Truly."