Joanne's eyebrows twitched as she tried to reason with him. "For your family's sake, Old Man."
Philip's eyes flashed.
"You know why I have to…" Joanne added, her voice quieter but no less firm.
A heavy silence fell between them.
Then, just like that, the anger in Philip's face faded. Something else replaced it. Understanding and guilt.
Jeffrey looked between them, realization settling in. This wasn't just about the money. It had never been just about the money.
And maybe… Maybe he had been a fool for ever believing it was.
After all, wasn't that exactly what he thought of her too? That she was someone who would do anything for money?
The sharp sting of shame twisted in his chest. Had he, with his doubts, and his silence, been part of the reason she felt this way?
Philip exhaled slowly, his voice deep and resolute. "My word is final, and no one in my family has any right to criticize you."
