Chapter 27: A Gift Too Heavy
Anna’s POV
The presentation of gifts continued as I stood beside my grandmother, maintaining the composed smile. But when Daniel announced Marcus Murphy’s gift, the practiced curve of my lips nearly faltered.
"From Mr. Marcus Murphy," Daniel’s voice rang clear across the garden, "a historic mansion in the Skylake District."
A collective gasp rippled through the assembled guests. The significance wasn’t lost on anyone Skylake District properties were rare treasures.
My mother’s face went slack with shock. This was her childhood home the mansion she’d spent years telling me stories about, where three generations of my maternal ancestors had lived before financial hardship forced my grandfather to sell it.
I watched as Daniel handed my grandmother the elegant folder containing the deed and ownership papers. This wasn’t just any gift it was a piece of my family’s legacy, returned to us after decades. The sheer magnitude of the gesture left me breathless.
"Uncle Marcus, this gift is far too generous," I finally managed, forcing my lips into a polite smile while my mind raced. I signaled the server to take the portfolio and property documents to a secure place, already planning how I would gracefully return this impossibly lavish gift after the celebration ended.
My heart pounded erratically, and I found myself unable to meet Marcus’s eyes directly. Those penetrating eyes seemed capable of reading every thought crossing my mind, creating an invisible pressure I couldn’t escape.
The historic Skylake mansion was too significant, too valuable I simply couldn’t accept it. He must have sensed my hesitation, but with all these witnesses present, I could only maintain appearances.
The guests buzzed with excitement, discussing the mansion’s historical significance and current market value.
I heard whispered estimates ranging from 150 to 250 million numbers that made my stomach clench despite my own considerable wealth. I caught Catherine Murphy’s eye across the garden, and her expression of genuine surprise told me that even she hadn’t been privy to her uncle’s plans.
Desperate to shift attention elsewhere, I gave Daniel a subtle look, silently urging him to continue with the gift announcements. He cleared his throat promptly.