Chapter 35: An Invitation Laced with Motives
Jack’s POV
The news that Anna Shaw had spent several hours at Murphy Estate spread through Skyview City’s business circles with astonishing speed. umors in this city grew wings, particularly when they involved the Shaws and the Murphys.
I sat in the grand living room of the Simpson mansion, watching my mother’s face settle into that familiar expression of contempt that seemed permanently etched there whenever Anna’s name was mentioned.
"Phillip told me himself he has no interest in Skylake District," my mother declared, her voice dripping with schadenfreude as she delicately stirred her tea. "Can you believe the audacity of that woman? Going to the Murphy family for help? Who does she think she is?"
Her laugh was brittle, lacking any genuine humor. I remained silent, watching the steam rise from my untouched coffee on the table between us.
"Jack." My father’s authoritative voice yanked me back to reality. "Your uncle Phillip might not care about Skylake, but don’t forget, there’s still your younger uncle Marcus."
He leaned forward, "As for Anna, you need to figure something out. That historic mansion is in her hands now.
Even if we secure the Skylake project, it’ll be nothing but trouble without her cooperation."
I kept my silence, *Fix things with Anna?* We were practically strangers now, the bitter remnants of our marriage like a wall between us that grew taller with each passing day.
"Perhaps I should have a talk with Elizabeth," my mother suggested suddenly, her thin lips curving into a smile that made my stomach tighten.
"That woman has always been spineless. Easy to persuade."
I was about to object when my father’s expression turned glacial as he regarded my mother. "Keep your meddling to yourself," he snapped. "If it weren’t for your constant criticism of Anna, driving them to divorce..." He paused, gathering himself. "We wouldn’t be in this position with Phoenix Project or Skylake District if you hadn’t pushed the Simpson family into this corner."