The entire table went still.
Bri shot him a warning glare that said he was out of line, while Anna quickly stomped on his foot under the table.
"Jake!" Bri shouted, then turned toward the Whitmores with a polite, nervous smile. "I'm so sorry. He's been under a lot of stress lately."
But Jake wasn't done.
He looked directly at William, clearly set on speaking his mind. "I know it's not my place, and I'm just a guest here, but I'll say it anyway."
"Jake" Bri tried to stop him, but he went on.
"Bri is the full package. I mean, look at her." he said, his voice strong. "She is beautiful, kind, caring, responsible, and did I already say beautiful? But being nice doesn't mean she doesn't feel pain."
He turned to the rest of the table. "She has just been pretending to be fine, but I know her. She's unhappy. She loves this family because you've been good to her, but that doesn't mean she wants this marriage."
He took a breath, his tone rising slightly. "She walks miles from William's penthouse every morning just to catch an Uber to the set, yet she could stay closer with Anna. However, she would never complain. That's who she is. But I will. I'll complain on her behalf. William, you either treat her well or let her go. I'm sure someone else out there would love her right."
"Jake, please stop!" Bri cut him off, her voice breaking.
The table fell silent again, even Eleanor looked lost for words.
Bri set her fork down, her half eaten pie forgotten. "Excuse me," she said softly, pushing her chair back.
She stood and walked out, her head high but her eyes tearing up.
Anna immediately rose from her chair, ready to follow Bri. But before she could move, William was already on his feet.
"I'll go," he said quietly, immediately exiting the room.