Once the storm clears, we’ll go there, together. And then, she pressed, and then we bring the truth to light. Properly this time, with resources James can’t intimidate or outmaneuver.
Your company will survive, Ethan finished firmly. Mitchell Innovations is more than its partnerships. The foundations are solid, even if some of the structures built on them aren’t.
Eleanor beamed at her son, pride evident in every line of her face. That’s my boy. For the first time in years, Jessica allowed herself to feel hope.
Fragile, but real. It won’t be easy. James has powerful friends, deep pockets.
So do I, Ethan reminded her, a spark of the ruthless businessman returning, but now directed toward a worthy target. And unlike James, I don’t have to hide from the truth. Eleanor yawned, breaking the intensity of the moment.
Well, this has been quite an evening. I think I’ll try to get some more sleep before dawn. She patted Jessica’s hand.
Don’t worry, dear. My son can be stubborn and sometimes arrogant, but when it matters, he makes the right choices. After Eleanor had gone, Jessica and Ethan sat in companionable silence, the storm outside beginning to ease, much like the turbulence between them.
I’m sorry I doubted you, Ethan said finally. You had reason to, Jessica acknowledged. Loyalty to friends is admirable, even when misplaced.
Not at the expense of truth. He reached across the table, his hand covering hers. Or justice.
The warmth of his touch, the sincerity in his eyes made something shift inside Jessica, a wall beginning to crumble, a door, long closed, starting to open. Why are you helping me? She asked softly. You could have left with James.
Protected your company, your reputation. Perhaps I’m tired of being the ruthless CEO everyone expects. His thumb traced gentle circles on her wrist, or perhaps I found something more important than quarterly projections and market share.
In a small town diner during a blizzard? She smiled skeptically. Stranger things have happened. His answering smile transformed his face, warming his eyes.
My mother would say it was fate. Mmm? And what would Ethan Mitchell say? He considered her question seriously. That sometimes we need to get lost to find what we’re really looking for.
Outside, the first pale light of dawn began to illuminate the snow-covered landscape. The storm had passed, leaving behind a world transformed, pristine, unblemished, full of new possibilities. Much like the feelings taking root between them.
Six months later, Jessica stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows of Ethan’s penthouse, watching snow drift lazily over Burlington. The view of Lake Champlain at sunset was breathtaking, painted in shades of gold and crimson. But her attention was on the headline blazing across her tablet.
Harrington Capital Executives Indicted for Securities Fraud. Quite the anniversary gift, Ethan said, joining her at the window. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, his chin resting atop her head.
Six months isn’t an anniversary, Jessica corrected, leaning back against him. It’s a milestone. Six months since a blizzard and a lost mother changed everything, he murmured, pressing a kiss to her temple.
I’d call that worth celebrating. The past six months had been a whirlwind. The evidence in Jessica’s Boston Safe deposit box had proven devastating, not just for James Harrington, but for an entire network of financial manipulation that had infected multiple firms.
The SEC investigation this time had been thorough and uncompromising, thanks in no small part to Ethan’s influence and resources. Mitchell Innovations had weathered the storm. The company’s stock had taken an initial hit when Ethan publicly disclosed the fraudulent practices within their partner companies, but his transparency and commitment to reform had ultimately strengthened their position.
Investors respected integrity, it turned out, especially when backed by decisive action. I still can’t believe it’s finally over, Jessica said, setting down the tablet. Three years of looking over my shoulder, and now… Justice, Ethan finished.
Though I’m not sure thirteen years in federal prison is enough for what James did to you. It’s not about the punishment. It’s about the truth finally being acknowledged.
She turned in his arms to face him. And about reclaiming my life. Ethan traced the curve of her cheek with his thumb.
Speaking of which, Have you given any more thought to my offer? After the evidence had been secured and the legal proceedings begun, Ethan had offered Jessica a position heading up a new ethics and compliance division at Mitchell Innovations. The role would leverage her financial expertise while establishing industry-leading standards for transparent business practices. I’m still considering it, she replied, though her smile suggested otherwise.
Working for my boyfriend seems complicated. Then make it uncomplicated, Ethan suggested, his tone casual despite the sudden intensity in his eyes. How exactly would I do that? Marry me instead.
Jessica froze, certain she had misheard. What did you just say? I said, Ethan repeated, pulling a small velvet box from his pocket, Marry me instead. He opened it to reveal a stunning emerald ring set in platinum.
Then I’d be working for my wife, not the other way around. How do you figure that? Jessica asked, her voice unsteady as she stared at the ring. Because you’d own me, heart and soul.
His usual confidence wavered slightly. You already do. Jessica looked up from the ring to his face, seeing vulnerability there she once thought impossible from the ruthless CEO she’d first met.
This is sudden. Is it? Six months of 14-hour days rebuilding my company’s ethical framework together, learning to trust again, both of us. Falling asleep going over SEC testimony and waking up in each other’s arms.
His smile turned wry. Mother says we’ve been married in all but name since the night of the blizzard. Your mother, Jessica laughed, is a romantic meddler…
