The Forbidden Throb (Emma and Daniel) novel Chapter 96

Chapter 96

Emma’s POV:

The conference room at Portland’s exhibition hall smelled of old wood and furniture polish–a scent that reminded me of antique shop

museums.

I sat at the corner of the table, translating as Monsieur Beaumont gestured dramatically at the damaged violin.

“L’humidité a complètement détruit la finition,” he said, his voice rising. The humidity has completely destroyed the finish.

I translated smoothly, watching Carson’s face tighten.

The warehouse manager had been defensive for thirty–five minutes now, insisting the damage occurred during shipping.

“We’re only responsible for cleaning costs,” Carson repeated.

Beside me, Eve remained elegantly silent, her posture perfect, only occasionally interjecting with technical terms. But I caught the slight n

she gave me–keep going, follow his lead.

Monsieur Beaumont suddenly stood, his chair scraping against the floor. He moved to the violin case, his hands trembling as he touched the

instrument.

“Ce violon,” he began, his voice steady and relieved, “est arrivé en parfait état.”

I translated, catching his tone of satisfaction: “This violin arrived in perfect condition.”

“Pas une égratignure, pas le moindre dommage durant le transport,” he continued. “Chaque détail est intact.”

“Not a scratch, not the slightest damage during transport,” I translated. “Every detail is intact.”

Carson shifted in his seat, then leaned back with a dismissive shrug. “Well, I don’t speak French. He could be saying anything for all I know.

“Mr. Carson,” I said, keeping my voice steady, “I should remind you that this entire negotiation has been recorded.”

I gestured to the camera Eve had positioned discreetly on the side table, its red recording light still blinking.

“We also have a comprehensive damage assessment report from an independent appraiser, documenting the violin’s condition before and after storage in your facility.”

His eyes flicked to the camera, then back to me.

“If we need to pursue legal action, I continued, watching his face carefully, “these recordings will be opened. And I imagine potential chants might be interested in seeing how your company handles disputes.

Carson’s jaw tightened. He glanced at Eve, who remained perfectly composed, one eyebrow slightly raised

8:45 am P

PP

Chapter 96

“Perhaps,” Carson said slowly, “we could discuss a more comprehensive compensation package.”

Eve’s subtle smile told me everything. We’d won.

By four–fifteen, the warehouse company had agreed to full restoration costs plus an additional one thousand dollars.

As Monsieur Beaumont shook my hand goodbye, I felt something pressed into my palm–a folded hundred–dollar bill.

“Thank you,” he murmured.

My eyes darted to Eve, uncertain–was this appropriate? Professional?

She gave me the smallest nod, her expression approving. Take it.

Heat rose to my cheeks. “Thank you, Monsieur. It was an honor to assist.”

Eve appeared at my elbow as the French delegation departed.

“You’ve done excellent work today,” she said, her smile warm. “You handled the exhibition coverage and introductions beautifully, managed the interview and Q&A session with the press, and then helped us navigate that compensation dispute. I’d say today has concluded perfectly.

She paused, glancing at her watch. “I need to accompany them to the Maine Museum of Art for the final insurance evaluations, but you should take the rest of the day–explore Portland, enjoy yourself.”

Their voices faded down the corridor until the heavy exhibition hall doors swung shut with a soft thud.

Silence settled over the space like dust.

I stood alone among the empty violin cases and dismantled display materials, the afternoon light slanting through tall windows.

The climate control system hummed softly. My canvas bag sat at my feet, suddenly feeling heavier than it had all day.

The rush of the exhibition, the intensity of the negotiation–it had all carried me forward on adrenaline.

Now that it was over, I didn’t quite know what to do with myself. The emptiness felt strange, almost suffocating.

Without thinking, my hand moved to my phone.

I unlocked the screen, thumb automatically opening my messages. The conversation with Daniel sat at the top, pinned

But nothing today.

No good morning text. No check in about the exhibition. No random medical fact or reminder to eat lunch.

My chest tightened with something that felt uncomfortably like disappointment.

8:45 am P P

Chapter 96

I locked my phone and shoved it into my bag with more force than necessary.

“Okay,” I said aloud to the empty room, my voice echoing slightly. “Time to explore Portland.”

I shouldered my bag, squared my shoulders, and headed for the exit.

Commercial Street stretched before me, lined with brick buildings and the distant sound of seagulls.

The afternoon had cooled, clouds gathering over Casco Bay.

A vintage clothing shop appeared on my left, its window displaying a gorgeous 1950s tea dress in warm brown.

I paused, studying my reflection in the window.

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