Chapter 6 - The Long-Haul Road AheadThree months later, the autumn leaves had turned brilliant shades of gold and amber across the rolling hills outside Asheville.
The merger of Whitmore and Mercer Logistics had successfully closed, but under entirely new management. Mercer Freight had been purged of its corruption, its employees were secure in their jobs, and Maria Alvarez had been promoted to Director of Estate Operations with a generous pension and a staff that treated her with the deep respect she deserved.
In the sunlit library of Whitmore Hall, beneath the portrait of Caroline’s late mother, a small, private gathering was taking place.
There were no press cameras. There were no fake politicians or sycophantic investors.
Just Jonathan Whitmore, Grace Bennett—who had been hired as Caroline’s executive chief of staff—and Maria, who was busy making sure the coffee was poured correctly.
Caroline stood by the tall library window, looking out over the lawns.
Footsteps approached softly behind her. Warm arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her gently back against a solid chest.
“You’re quiet today,” Daniel murmured, resting his chin on her shoulder.
“I was just thinking about the first time I walked into your house,” Caroline smiled, leaning back into his embrace. “Wearing a brown wig, holding a suitcase, and wondering if you were as arrogant as your sister.”
Daniel chuckled, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. “And did you find your answer?”
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“Not quite,” Caroline turned in his arms, looking up into his eyes with a playful spark in her gaze. “I’m still running background checks on you every single day, Daniel Mercer.”
Daniel grinned, pulling her flush against him. “Well, Mrs. Mercer, if you ever need to test my character again, just drop a coffee cup. I promise I’ll always be there to clean up the mess.”
