When Mom heard Grant's question, she didn't take advantage of him. The way she was raised wouldn't allow her to strike when someone was already on the ground. But her kindness also didn't mean her decision would change.
Without a word, she gently pulled her hand out of his, and the distance in that small movement was louder than any sentence.
"You two talk," she said softly. "I'll go cut some fruit."
Grant watched her leave, his eyes following her like he was finally seeing the weight of everything he'd done. A deep sigh dragged out of him, rough and heavy.
"So the real mastermind is Zack," he said at last, voice low. "And his goal is to take over the Ashbourne Group?"
I nodded. "Yes. He didn't come from anything good, but he's sharp. When he was younger, he used Monica her looks, her charm to fund his life and his studies. Later, when he gained some capital, he climbed higher by marrying a rich girl."
