Chapter 10
Ten
T he buses rolled up a long, winding driveway flanked by towering pines and frost-tipped hedges, their needles sparkling faintly under the soft iridescence of dusk. The estate came into view, a sprawling masterpiece of rustic elegance. Its stone facade seemed to glow in the fading light, every window blazing with golden warmth. Snow-dusted rooftops sloped gracefully, while twinkling string lights lined the pathways leading to the grand entrance. It felt like stepping into a winter postcard—timeless, opulent, and utterly captivating.
The buses stopped at the circular driveway, where a fountain, now frozen in an icy tableau, stood as a centerpiece. Guests began to file out, murmuring with excitement as they took in the grandeur. Noah grabbed their garment bags from the cargo hold and carried them inside, holding the door open for Ruth as they stepped into the estate.
The entrance hall was breathtaking—vaulted ceilings with dark wooden beams loomed overhead, chandeliers dripping with crystal casting a glittering glow. To their left, a wide staircase swept upward, leading to the suites arranged for the guests to change. To their right, a cavernous meeting area awaited, dominated by a roaring stone fireplace. It cast a flickering warmth across the room, and the scent of burning cedar mingled with the faintest hint of mulled wine.
Ruth glanced around, her nerves evident in the way she clutched her garment bag. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered.
“It is,” Noah agreed, his gaze remaining not on the room but on her face.
They made their way upstairs to their respective suites to change. When Noah emerged fifteen minutes later, he was a vision of understated sophistication. His tuxedo was impeccably tailored, the crisp black lapels contrasting sharply against the pure white of his dress shirt. He adjusted his cufflinks—a subtle but elegant silver—and made his way back downstairs, finding solace by the fireplace with a club soda in hand.
He didn’t expect his immediate boss to find him so quickly.
“Well, Noah,” Deputy U.S. Attorney Evan Shipley said with a bemused grin. “Didn’t think I’d see you here tonight.”
I wish I could say the same. He expected both his bosses to be there. The room was filled with the elite from Pierre. Maxim Fairchild would be there too if he wasn’t in Disney World.
Noah gave Shipley a tight smile and leaned in slightly, speaking in a low tone. “I’m here incognito. Let’s just say I’m keeping an eye on a personal situation.”
Evan raised an eyebrow but nodded, clearly understanding there was more to the story than Noah was willing to share in public. “You’ll have to fill me in later.”
“Big boss here?” Noah asked.
Shipley looked over his shoulder. “Tommy is here somewhere, likely crawling up Ellison or Grant’s ass.”
Before Noah could respond, a soft murmur from the crowd caught his attention. He turned just in time to see Ruth descending the staircase, and for a moment, the air seemed to leave his lungs.
She was radiant. Her red hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, catching the flickering firelight. Her emerald-green velvet dress hugged her curves like it had been crafted just for her, the off-the-shoulder neckline highlighting her delicate collarbones. She walked with grace despite the four-inch stilettos, her every movement exuding confidence.
Noah swallowed hard, suddenly grateful for the club soda in his hand to keep his focus. Evan glanced at him, smirking knowingly. “Friend of yours?”
“My date,” Noah muttered, his voice hoarse. He stepped forward, meeting Ruth at the base of the staircase. “You look...” He paused, his usual confidence faltering for the briefest moment. “Incredible.”
Ruth flushed. “Thank you,” she said softly. “You clean up pretty well yourself.”
He chuckled, offering his arm. “Come on, there’s someone I want you to meet.”
They made their way back to where his boss was waiting. Noah introduced them smoothly, his hand resting lightly on the small of Ruth’s back as he spoke. “Evan Shipley, this is Ruth Everhart, an attorney with Ellison & Grant. Ruth, Evan is the deputy U.S. attorney for the district.”
“I’m aware. It’s my pleasure,” Ruth said, shaking Evan’s hand firmly.
“The pleasure’s mine,” Evan replied, his tone genuinely warm. “Noah didn’t tell me he was bringing the most stunning guest tonight.”
Ruth blushed again, and Noah shot Evan a warning look. Before the conversation could continue, another presence loomed beside them.
“Excuse me.” Evan stepped away into the crowd.
“Ruthie,” Matt Brandt’s voice rang out, loud and grating.
Noah turned, his expression immediately cooling. Matt was standing there with Jenna Shaw on his arm, the blonde news anchor, every bit as glamorous as expected. Her sequined silver gown sparkled under the light, but her overly bright smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“Matt,” Ruth said politely, her tone measured.
“Ruthie didn’t tell me she had a... bodyguard,” Matt said, his voice dripping with mockery.
Noah’s jaw tightened, but he kept his tone light. “I’m a little more than that.”
Matt chuckled, clearly enjoying his own joke. “Well, you’ve got good taste, Ruthie. But you might want to keep an eye on this one, Noah. She’s got a habit of working late.”
Ruth’s spine straightened, her eyes flashing with irritation, but before she could respond, Noah smiled. “Hmm, we spent a late night together recently, didn’t we?”
“Introduce me to your date, Matt?” Ruth asked smoothly, her tone laced with just enough steel to make Matt falter.
“Jenna Shaw,” Matt said, pulling the woman closer. “You’ve seen her on Channel 6, of course.”
Ruth smiled politely. “Of course. Nice to meet you, Jenna.”
Jenna nodded, her expression unreadable, and the moment stretched awkwardly until the ma?tre d’s announcement saved them all. “Ladies and gentlemen, cocktails are currently being served on the heated patios. Feel free to mingle.”
Matt excused himself and Jenna, retreating to another group of guests. Noah turned back to Ruth, his expression dark. “You okay?” he asked softly.
She nodded. “I can’t believe his expression when you told him we spent a late night together.”
“I wasn’t lying. I just didn’t tell him we were with your entire family.”
Ruth chuckled. “No, you weren’t.”
“He’s not going to ruin tonight,” Noah said firmly. “Not for you, and not for anyone else.”
Ruth met his gaze. “Thank you,” she whispered.
Noah offered her his arm again. “Come on. Let’s mingle before dinner.”
She smiled, a real one this time, and let him lead her farther into the room. Her confidence appeared to be returning with every step.