Chapter Twenty-Six: Shifting Tides

Emma's POV

The past few days had been an emotional rollercoaster. Nicholas had been in the hospital longer than expected, and I couldn’t shake off the anxiety gnawing at me. Every time I asked James why Nicholas didn’t want to see me, his answers were frustratingly vague, just insisting that Nicholas needed time alone. The uncertainty gnawed at me, making me worry that he was planning to fire me and that I was letting my family down yet again.

The sun was setting, casting an orange hue over Nicholas's vast living room as I sat on his plush couch, attempting to distract myself with a book. The creak broke the cozy silence of the front door opening. My heart leapt at the thought of James returning with the news.

Instead, James walked in with Nicholas following closely behind in his wheelchair. My book fell from my hands as I jumped up, my heart pounding.

“Nicholas!” The words flew out faster than I could control. “I’m so sorry. I promise I won’t mess up again. Please don’t fire m