CHAPTER 33: THE WOMAN WITH THE LEVERAGE

Jack’s POV

I was nursing a drink in the study when my mother and Lucy burst through the front door of the Simpson mansion. Their faces were flushed, their gestures animated as they exchanged heated whispers. I knew instantly that the afternoon tea at Harper Watson’s hadn’t gone well.

Mother spotted me and made a beeline in my direction, her eyes flashing with indignation. "Can you believe the nerve of that woman?"

I didn’t need to ask which woman she meant. There was only one who could ruffle my mother’s feathers to this degree.

"Anna?" I asked, setting down my glass.

Mother collapsed into an armchair, her voice rising with each word. "She’s deliberately positioning herself as the gatekeeper to Skylake District.

Everyone was falling over themselves trying to secure her favor." She shot a withering glance at Lucy. "And you just stood there, letting her make a fool of you."

Lucy’s composure faltered. "I tried to put her in her place, but she turned my words against me."

"You weren’t assertive enough!"

Mother snapped. "She made you look like a social-climbing fool in front of everyone who matters in this city."

I watched the exchange with a growing sense of unease. My mother had never approved of Anna, even during our marriage. But her vehemence now seemed excessive, even for her.

"Mary, that’s enough," my father’s voice cut through the tension as he entered the room. "What’s all this commotion about?"

Mother immediately redirected her ire.

"George, that Shaw woman is trying to get her hands on the Skylake District project." Her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "She’s going around boasting that Shaw Corp is prepared to bid against Simpson Group."

I felt my stomach drop. "Anna is interested in Skylake District? Are you sure you didn’t misunderstand?"

"I didn’t misunderstand anything," she hissed. "She was practically gloating about it. That mansion Marcus gave her is the perfect foothold. She’s been planning this all along."

Father’s expression grew serious as he took a seat across from me. "If Shaw Corp intends to compete for Skylake, we need to reconsider our approach.

Their stock has been performing surprisingly well lately, and with that historic property in their possession.." He trailed off, his fingers drumming against the armrest.

"We could try to bring them in as a minor partner," he continued thoughtfully. "Neutralize them as competition while still maintaining control of the project."

He looked directly at me. "Jack, this would be your responsibility. You know Anna better than anyone.

Approach her, see if Shaw Corp would be amenable to a partnership on favorable terms."

I nodded mechanically, my mind already racing.

"T’ll handle it," I said, rising to my feet.

"T’ll go see her tonight."

Lucy’s hand caught my wrist.

"Tonight? Jack, it’s already getting late."

I pulled away without looking at her.

"The sooner we address this, the better."

Minutes later, I was in my car, directing my driver toward Shaw Estate. The rational part of my brain knew this was a business errand, nothing more.

My phone vibrated insistently. Lucy again. I silenced it without looking, unwilling to be distracted.

The car pulled to a stop in the circular driveway. As I stepped out, I noticed only a few lights illuminating the ground floor. It was later than I’d realized. Perhaps this wasn’t the best time for a business discussion after all.

But before I could reconsider, the front door opened, spilling warm light onto the steps. Anna stood in the doorway, her silhouette perfectly outlined against the glow from within.

"Mr. Simpson," she greeted me, her voice cool and controlled. "What a surprise."

I straightened my tie, "Anna. I apologize for the late visit. May I come in? It’s about a business matter."

She hesitated, then stepped aside, allowing me to enter.

"I’m afraid my mother and grandmother have already retired for the evening," she said, leading me into the living room. "Would you like some tea? Or perhaps something stronger?"

"No, thank you," I declined, taking a seat on the sofa. "This won’t take long."

She remained standing, arms crossed, regarding me with that guarded expression I’d grown to recognize in the latter days of our marriage.

The silence between us stretched uncomfortably. I cleared my throat.

"I understand you’ve expressed interest in the Skylake District development project."

"News travels fast," she remarked, a hint of amusement in her voice.

"My mother and Lucy attended Harper’s tea," I explained.

"Ah, that explains it." Her lips curved in a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

"Mr. Simpson, could I ask you a favor?"

The unexpected question caught me off guard. "What is it?"

"Could you please stop showing up at my home unannounced? People might get the wrong idea."

Her words stung more than they should have. "What people? Your Uncle Marcus?"

A flash of something-annoyance, perhaps-crossed her features before she regained her composure. She ignored my jab and took a seat across from me, smoothing her skirt with practiced grace.

"I heard you’re interested in Skylake District," I said, bringing the conversation back to business.

"Yes, I am," she replied simply. "Is that why you’re here? To confirm rumors?"

I leaned forward, struggling to maintain my professional demeanor.

"Is it true that Shaw Corp plans to bid on the development project?"

"And if it is?" Her eyebrow arched in challenge.

The confirmation sent a jolt of both alarm and inexplicable anger through me. "You’re seriously going after Skylake District? Anna, do you have any idea what you’re getting yourself into?"

She tilted her head, studying me with those perceptive eyes. "I believe I do.

Why does that concern you?"

"Because it’s not a game," I snapped, my facade of calm business discussion crumbling rapidly. "You think you can just waltz into major property development with Shaw Corp’s resources? You’re out of your depth."

"Do you have any idea how many powerful interests are eyeing Skylake?"

I continued, frustration rising in my chest. "Just because you happen to own one historic property there doesn’t mean you can handle a project of this magnitude. You’ll be eaten alive."

Anna’s eyes narrowed. "Are you finished? Because if you came here just to insult me, you can leave now."

"I’m not insulting you, damn it. I’m trying to warn you!" The words burst from me with more emotion than I’d intended. "Anna, you have no idea what you’re walking into. The development sector isn’t like manufacturing or research. It’s cutthroat in ways you can’t imagine."

"Warn me?" She laughed, a cold, sharp sound that made me wince. "That’s rich. Since when do you care what happens to me or Shaw Corp?"

"Anna," I tried again, moderating my tone. "I’m here representing Simpson Group. My father believes it might be beneficial for both our companies to collaborate on this project, rather than compete."

She rose to her feet in one fluid motion. "Was there anything else you wanted to discuss, Mr. Simpson?"

I stood as well, frustration building to a dangerous level. "You know what?

You’ve always been stubborn to the point of self-destruction. Just because you own that mansion now doesn’t make you qualified to handle Skylake District."

"You’re not here out of concern," she countered, her voice losing its polite veneer. "You’re here because you’re worried Simpson Group might face actual competition."

.

"Competition?" I scoffed, moving closer to her. "You think Shaw Corp is competition for us? Don’t be naive, Anna. You’re not in our league."

"Is that so?" Her eyes flashed dangerously. "Then why are you here, practically begging for a partnership? "

She held my gaze unflinchingly. "You never respected me, Jack. Not as your wife, and certainly not as a business competitor. That hasn’t changed."

"That’s not true," I protested, though even to my own ears, it sounded weak.

She insisted. "But it doesn’t matter anymore. I’m not going to sell my mother’s childhood home to Simpson Group, and I’m certainly not going to back down from Skylake District."

Anna’s POV

The evening sky had already darkened by the time my car pulled up to Shaw Estate.

Yet as I pushed open the front door, I found my mother and grandmother both seated in the living room, their postures rigid with tension.

Mother sat with her back perfectly straight, a tea cup balanced delicately in her hands, though judging by the full cup, she hadn’t actually been drinking it. Beside her, Grandmother maintained her customary elegance, but the worried crease between her brows betrayed her concern. They both looked up as I entered, relief washing over their faces.

"I’m sorry. The meeting ran longer than expected." I leaned down to kiss her cheek, then did the same for Grandmother. "Have you both been sitting here waiting all this time?"

Mother’s hand caught mine, her grip surprisingly firm as she pulled me down to sit beside her.

"Annie," she began, her voice soft but determined, "we’ve been talking, your grandmother and I..."

I braced myself. That particular tone never preceded anything good.

"Maybe... maybe you should consider selling that mansion, Annie," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "Buildings are just structures, but people-you—are irreplaceable. I don’t want to see you in danger because of a property. Your grandfather would never want us to cling to bricks and mortar at the expense of your safety. Your wellbeing is more important than anything else."

I heard the slight tremor in her voice, saw the tears glistening in her eyes.

For her to suggest selling her childhood home the place filled with her happiest memories, the mansion she’d spent hours describing to me in vivid detail throughout my childhood —she must truly be terrified for my safety.

"Your mother is right," Grandmother added, her aged voice firm despite its quaver. "If the city is planning to develop the Skylake District, it will inevitably become a focal point for competing interests. Annie, people are what matter most to our family. By owning that historical building, you now hold a key resource, which makes you a target."

I drew a deep breath, my decision already crystallized in my mind. This mansion wasn’t just our family’s foundation; it was my opportunity to elevate Shaw Corp to new heights. I couldn’t abandon it—I wouldn’t.

"Mom, Grandmother, please don’t worry. I’ll handle this properly." I squeezed Mother’s hand reassuringly.

"As for Marcus, there’s no need for concern. All those rumors... perhaps you could pay attention to people’s reactions at social events."

I deliberately kept my tone light and confident, not wanting to add to their anxiety. But Mother’s furrowed brow told me she remained unconvinced.

"Harper Watson has organized an afternoon tea, "she said, reaching for an elegantly embossed invitation on the side table. "Perhaps you could accompany me?"

I nodded, both to placate her and to gather intelligence on the current situation. Social events were battlefields of a different sort-ones where information flowed as freely as champagne.

"Of course. It would be my pleasure."

The moment we entered Harper Watson’s sunlit tea room, the subtle shift in atmosphere was unmistakable.

Conversations paused briefly before resuming with renewed vigor—a sure sign that I had become today’s hot topic. I straightened my spine, linked my arm gracefully through Mother’s, and acknowledged familiar faces with polite nods.

Catherine practically barreled toward me, concern etched across her features.

"Anna, what are you doing here?" she whispered urgently. "Don’t you realize you’re the talk of Skyview City right now? Coming here is just asking to be the subject of their gossip."

Warmth spread through my chest at my friend’s protective instinct. "What’s so frightening about being gossiped about? I’m curious to hear what they’re saying."

I kept my tone deliberately casual, though I’d mentally prepared for battle the moment I’d accepted the invitation.

"They won’t gossip to your face," Catherine muttered, leaning closer.

"Everyone knows your family now owns that mansion in Skylake. If anyone wants development rights in the Skylake District, they’ll need to go through you first."

There was a hint of satisfaction and schadenfreude in her voice as she continued: "Mary is absolutely furious with my uncle. Isn’t it ironic? When Jack’s family received inside

information, they didn’t share it with the Murphy family either. Serves them right for trying to monopolize the project."

She patted my shoulder, her eyes sparkling with encouragement. "She used to look down on you. Now you need to stand tall and make her realize she can’t reach your level."

I couldn’t help smiling at Catherine’s characteristic bluntness and loyalty.

Her straightforward nature always had a way of lifting my spirits.

"Here she comes, wearing that fake mask of hers," Catherine warned under her breath.

Following her gaze, I spotted Lucy approaching, her lips curved in a practiced smile. I steeled myself internally.

"Anna, you’re here too?" Lucy’s voice dripped with artificial sweetness, but the barb in her words was unmistakable. "You’re so busy, I didn’t think you’d join us idle ladies for afternoon tea."

I inwardly smirked. Since she was initiating the challenge, why should I hold back?

"Ms. Taylor, do you understand the nature of high society gatherings?" I deliberately raised my voice to ensure the surrounding women could hear.

"How could you refer to these ladies as ’idle’? Harper has always been a supportive partner to business elites and a role model for us all. I came specifically today to learn from her."

I felt a flicker of satisfaction watching Lucy’s smile freeze on her face. In these social skirmishes, I refused to yield an inch.

"Our Anna always knows exactly what to say," Harper Watson interjected smoothly, clasping my hand warmly. "I simply enjoy gathering with friends.

It’s my honor that everyone makes time to attend."

Lucy stood awkwardly to the side, clearly defeated in this round.

As the afternoon progressed, I navigated the gathering with practiced ease while keenly observing each person’s true intentions and underlying interests. I noticed how every woman’s gaze held a new assessment when they looked at me no longer Jack Simpson’s ex-wife, but the holder of a valuable Skylake District asset.

"Anna," Harper eventually approached during a relatively private moment, revealing her true agenda, "I hear the city is planning to develop the Skylake District. Does Shaw Corp have any plans? If you’re making a move, perhaps the Watson family could have the privilege of participating?"