Emma found Nicholas in his study that evening, pacing in front of the fireplace, his phone pressed to his ear. He ended the call when she walked in.
"Daniel called me," he said.
Emma's stomach tightened. "And?"
"He said you gave the best audition he's seen in fifteen years… since someone passed away. " Nicholas walked toward her. "He said you're a natural and that he doesn't know where you learned to act like that, but he wants to sign you to a three-picture deal."
Emma's breath caught. "What did you tell him?"
"I told him to send the contract." Nicholas stopped inches from her. "I told him my fiancée doesn't need my permission to build her career."
She threw her arms around him. He caught her, his arms banding around her waist, his laugh rumbling against her ear.
"You're happy," he said.
"I'm terrified."
"That too." He pulled back, looking at her face. "You know this changes things. Once you're in the public eye, there's no hiding. Juliette will come after you. Evelyn will try to destroy you. And Marcus…"
"Let them try." Emma's voice was fierce. "I've been hiding my whole life. I'm done."
Nicholas cupped her face in his hands. "Then let's make sure the world knows who you are."