The Texan's Engagement Agreement by Noelle Marchand

Author:Noelle Marchand
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2015-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Adelaide had to agree with her mother. Everett looked rough. Stubble littered his normally clean-shaven face. Dark circles revealed how rare sleep had been since they’d left him in Houston. After giving her a long hug in greeting he settled onto the settee in Chris’s apartment with Rose at his side. Adelaide and Chris claimed the set of matching turquoise chairs cattycorner to it. Unable to bear the tension any longer, Adelaide asked, “Pa, what is it? What happened? What’s wrong?”

He sighed and washed his hand over his face. “The story I was investigating turned out to be a fake. The whole thing was set up by a powerful man in an effort to discredit me by tricking me into publishing a false story. A police investigation revealed the truth. Unfortunately, that happened after I printed my article. My competition was quick to capitalize on my error and I can’t blame them for it. I never should have fallen for such a ridiculous trick. I was just so eager to shut that network down that I fell into their trap. I sensed something might be wrong because all of the information was a tad too easy to find. However, after they dared to threaten my family, I let emotion cloud my judgment by going ahead with the story despite my misgivings. I suppose that was exactly what they were counting on, and I played right into their hands.”

He shook his head. “I printed a retraction, but the damage has already been done. The Gazette’s major advertisers all threatened to pull out if I don’t resign from my position as editor-in-chief. I hired someone from the outside to serve in the interim. I hope that the quick change in leadership will keep the finances from taking too much of a hit. I know it sounds bad, but it could have been much worse. The newspaper could have folded completely. Or I could have been forced to sell. As it is now, I’ve maintained ownership, but agreed to keep my public involvement to a minimum until it all blows over. I’m afraid that may take a while.” He took his wife’s hand in his. “I don’t know how many of our friends will stand by us. However, I do know that Houston is going to be an uncomfortable place for us. My reputation may never fully recover. I’m afraid that’s going to affect your standing as well.”

“My standing is of little consequence at the moment. I’m just sorry you had to go through this. I don’t take the idea of pulling up stakes lightly, but I think this might be a case when starting over somewhere new truly is the best option.” Rose turned to Adelaide. “What do you think, dear?”

This was the first time any of her parents had solicited her opinion on where they ought to live. Caught off guard by the deference, it took Adelaide a moment to respond. She’d hoped to say something profound, but all that came out was, “I agree.

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