Chapter 28: The Deed and the Debt
Anna’s POV
"Are you sure you don’t want Daniel to handle this?" Rachel asked, her concern clear in her voice as she sat beside me.
I shook my head. "This needs to be done in person. I want to make it absolutely clear."
The drive to the Simpson mansion was mercifully short. As we pulled up to the grand iron gates, I could already hear Mary Simpson’s shrill voice echoing through the open windows. She was yelling at Jack what about, I didn’t care anymore.
I took a deep breath, straightened my spine, and stepped out of the car. Behind me, Rachel and the driver carefully carried the wrapped painting. As we approached the front steps, the massive doors flung open before we could even knock.
Mary stood there, face pinched, eyes narrowing the moment she saw me. "I just knew it!" she spat, every word laced with venom. "Showing up first thing in the morning you’re obviously looking for an excuse to reconnect with Jack!"
A cold smile curved my lips. I didn’t rise to the bait. Jack appeared behind her, face unreadable save for a flicker of emotion in his eyes guilt? Anger? Regret? He knew why I was here. And he hated it.
"Mrs. Simpson, Mr. Simpson," I began evenly, my tone polite but utterly devoid of warmth, "the Shaw family doesn’t accept rewards we haven’t earned. My grandmother appreciates the sentiment behind your gift, but she cannot accept something so extravagant."
I stepped aside so Rachel and the driver could set the painting down in the foyer. "She asked me to personally return it and express her gratitude. But it must be returned."
Jack’s jaw clenched, his hands curling into fists. "Returning a gift after it’s been given?" His voice was sharp. "Is this how the Shaw family conducts itself now?"
"The Shaw family doesn’t attach hidden agendas to our gifts," I replied, meeting his gaze without flinching. "I won’t speculate on your motivations, but your appearance at her birthday wasn’t out of sincere well-wishes."
Jack’s face flushed an angry shade of red. He opened his mouth to argue, then shut it again. He had no good defense, and he knew it.