Chapter Seven

The private dining room at the Reynolds estate was adorned with crisp white linens and gleaming silverware, setting the stage for a celebratory family dinner. Emma smoothed the folds of her emerald green dress nervously as she took her seat beside James.

"Doesn't my little girl look radiant this evening?" Her father Donald Montgomery winked at her before turning to James. "You're one lucky young man."

James barely glanced up from his phone, nodding distractedly. "Yes, quite fortunate."

Senator Reynolds cleared his throat loudly. "James! Put that damn phone away and join us properly. This dinner is meant to be a joyous occasion for God's sake."

Sheepishly pocketing his phone, James offered a tight smile. "You're right, Father. My apologies...I'm just preoccupied with all the wedding preparations."

His mother Brenda patted his hand consolingly. "Planning such a big event with all your other responsibilities must be overwhelming, dear. But tonight is about family, not flowers and guest l