CHAPTER 38: SWEETER STAKES

Anna’s POV

I quickly poured myself a glass of water to calm my nerves, feeling my heart about to leap out of my chest. In my mind, Marcus Murphy had always embodied stability, reliability, and integrity—an uncle I could trust without question. But now, his meaning-laden gaze and ambiguous words stirred unprecedented unease within me, a sense of disillusionment washing over me.

"Uncle Marcus, what are you saying? I don’t understand." I struggled to maintain my composure, forcing a smile while desperately changing the subject. "By the way, this restaurant’s signature dish is really exceptional.

You should definitely try more of it."

Marcus simply smiled without responding, his gaze seeming to penetrate my facade. I couldn’t bring myself to meet his eyes.

"I’ll be sure to savor it," he finally replied, his deep voice tinged with amusement.

His stare made my entire body tingle uncomfortably, as if I stood exposed before him. I endured the discomfort, barely finishing my meal before hastily fabricating an excuse about urgent work and making my escape.

Even after getting into my car, I could still feel the heat of his gaze-that direct, intense scrutiny that made me want nothing more than to flee.

Rachel caught my eye in the rearview mirror, her face etched with concern.

"Ms. Shaw, has something happened?"

I closed my eyes, pretending to rest.

"Nothing. I’m just feeling a bit tired."

The phone’s ringtone interrupted my thoughts. It was Logan Porter inviting me to dinner, mentioning he wanted to introduce me to a friend. Seeing that it was still early, I decided against going to Shaw Corp and instead headed home to pick up my mother so we could visit the historic building in Skylake District that we’d just reclaimed.

Outside the tall Victorian-style house, my mother took the keys from Rachel’s hand and carefully unlocked the heavy oak door. In that moment, I could clearly see the emotions swirling in her eyes—nostalgia, sadness, and joy all intertwined.

"T’ll find professionals to handle the restoration and preservation work," I said softly, stepping forward to embrace her, feeling her body tremble slightly against mine. "Mom, what are your thoughts? Would you like to restore it completely to its original appearance? Once it’s fixed up, we could stay here occasionally."

Tears glistened in my mother’s eyes as she gently stroked the damaged banister. "Just maintaining its historic character would be fine. Such a large house would feel too empty with just the two of us living here."

Despite her words, I could see how attached she was to this home filled with memories. After returning to Goldenleaf Manor, I called Rachel over.

"I need you to contact the best architectural restoration experts, especially those specializing in Victorian-era buildings."

"Ms. Shaw, are you planning to restore the historic building in Skylake?" she asked.

I nodded firmly. "Since we’ve bought it back, we certainly can’t let it continue to deteriorate. Find a professional historic building restoration team. I want to restore it to its original appearance as much as possible." I had already decided internally that regardless of the cost, I would ensure my mother could reclaim the home filled with her memories.

At six o’clock that evening, I arrived punctually at Sapphire Sky Hotel to meet Logan Porter. Just as I stepped out of my car, a flirtatious whistle sounded from behind me. I frowned slightly but ignored it, continuing toward the hotel entrance.

"Excuse me, beautiful lady... Holy shit, it’s you!"

Turning around, I was surprised to see the same man Peter Reed had escorted out of the charity event earlier. His expression quickly shifted from flirtation to distaste, and I really couldn’t be bothered to engage with such childish behavior.

When I reached our reserved private room and saw that the person engaged in animated conversation with Logan was none other than the man from moments ago, I froze in my tracks.

"Anna! Come in," Logan greeted me enthusiastically. "Samuel, this is Anna Shaw I’ve been telling you about, the CEO of Shaw Corp, one of the youngest executives in Skyview City.

Anna, this is Samuel Griffin, heir to Heritage Group."

My eyes widened in shock. The heir to Heritage Group? This was a commercial powerhouse from Sovereign City, and I had mistaken him for nothing more than a spoiled rich kid.

I quickly extended my hand, struggling to maintain professionalism.

"Mr. Griffin, pleased to meet you. I’m Anna Shaw."

Samuel glanced at my hand, his lips curling into a smirk. "I wouldn’t dare shake that hand. What if your boyfriend has me thrown out again? I do have some dignity to maintain."

Logan looked between us, confusion evident on his face. "You two... know each other?"

Anna’s POV

I stood there awkwardly, realizing this dinner might be far more complicated than I had anticipated. Logan stood between us, clearly baffled by the unexpected situation.

"We’ve... crossed paths before," I offered diplomatically, lowering my hand. "There seems to have been a misunderstanding."

Samuel scoffed, settling back in his chair with an exaggerated casualness.

"Misunderstanding? That’s what you’re calling it? You drenched me in champagne, and then your boyfriend had me thrown out of the charity gala like some common gatecrasher."

My stomach tightened as I watched Logan’s eyes widen in shock. *Great.

Just great.* Of all the business magnates in the world, Logan had to introduce me to the very man I’d publicly humiliated. The heir to Heritage Group—a commercial powerhouse that could either become a powerful ally or a devastating enemy.

"He’s not my boyfriend," I corrected automatically, then immediately regretted giving Samuel the satisfaction of a response.

"Whoever he is," Samuel continued, his voice dripping with contempt, "I don’t forget insults easily, Ms. Shaw."

I forced myself to take a deep breath.

For Shaw Corp, for the Skylake District project, for my mother’s ancestral home—I needed to swallow my pride.

The painful reality of business was crystallizing before me: sometimes you had to smile at the people you’d rather slap.

"It truly was a misunderstanding, Mr. Griffin," I said, making my voice as conciliatory as possible. "And I apologize for how things unfolded that evening." The words felt like glass in my throat.

"This is unexpected," Logan interjected, clearly trying to salvage the situation. "But surely we can move past it? We’re all professionals here."

Samuel’s eyes never left my face. "T’ll tell you what—l’m feeling generous tonight. Let’s make this simple. I’ll accept your apology... after you’ve properly atoned." His smile was all teeth and no warmth.

"I’m willing to make amends," I said carefully. "What did you have in mind?"

"Let’s see..." He reached for a bottle of Scotch whisky that had been placed on the table and set it directly in front of me. "Finish this, and we’ll call it even."

My heart sank as I stared at the amber liquid. The bottle was nearly full-at least 700ml of high-proof alcohol.

"Samuel, that’s excessive," Logan protested, finally finding his voice.

"Anna’s here for a business discussion, not to_"

Before he could finish, I reached for the bottle. *For Skylake. For Shaw Corp. For everything my father built.* I unscrewed the cap in one decisive motion and brought the bottle to my lips.

The first swallow burned like fire down my throat, bringing involuntary tears to my eyes. I’d never been much of a drinker-two glasses of wine was typically my limit. But I forced myself to take another gulp, and another.

"Jesus, Anna! Stop!" Logan tried to take the bottle from me, but I jerked it away.

My throat was on fire, my eyes watering so badly I could barely see Samuel’s smug expression. After a few more desperate swallows, I finally choked, setting the bottle down hard on the table as I dissolved into a coughing fit.

"You actually tried to drink it," Samuel remarked, sounding genuinely surprised. "I’m impressed by your dedication, if nothing else."

"Enough, Samuel," Logan said firmly, sliding the bottle away from me. "This isn’t what I brought you two together for. Can we please behave like adults?"

Samuel eyed me with what might have been grudging respect. "Fine. Consider us even, Ms. Shaw. For now."

I nodded, still unable to speak through my burning throat. A waiter appeared with water, which I gratefully gulped down, feeling the alcohol already beginning to affect my system.

"Well, I’ve already ordered some appetizers," Logan said, clearly trying to steer us back to normalcy. "Why don’t we start there and see where the evening takes us?"

Twenty minutes later, I managed to pull Logan aside while Samuel was distracted by a phone call.

"What the hell, Logan?" I whispered harshly once we were in the hallway outside. "You could have warned me you were introducing me to *him*!"

"I had no idea you two had... history,"

Logan defended himself, looking genuinely apologetic. "Sam just mentioned he was interested in new projects in Skyview City, and I thought connecting you two might be mutually beneficial."

A suspicion sparked in my mind.

"Why is Samuel Griffin suddenly interested in Skyview City? Heritage Group is based in Sovereign City, right?

They’ve never shown interest in our market before."

Logan’s expression confirmed my suspicion before he even spoke. "I’m sure you ve already guessed. He’s here for Skylake District."

My pulse quickened. "So that’s it. He’s here to discuss potential partnership with Simpson Group, isn’t he?"

"Anna," Logan continued, his voice dropping lower, "if you’re serious about Skylake, this could be your opportunity. Heritage Group has the capital and resources you need. They could be the perfect counterweight to Simpson Group."

I nodded slowly, my mind already racing ahead to map out possibilities.

"I need to get back in there before he finishes his call."

When we returned to the private room, I approached Samuel with renewed purpose. The stakes had just risen dramatically—if I could convince Heritage Group to back Shaw Corp instead of Simpson Group, the balance of power would shift completely.

"Mr. Griffin," I began, carefully pouring him another glass of wine, I forced a self-deprecating laugh. "Perhaps we could start fresh?"

Samuel studied me with those calculating eyes. "You’re suddenly very accommodating, Ms. Shaw."

"I respect what Heritage Group has accomplished," I said, choosing my words carefully. "And I believe there could be valuable opportunities for collaboration here in Skyview City."

"Such as?" He leaned back, watching me with undisguised amusement.

"Skylake District, for one," I said directly, seeing no point in playing coy.

"It’s poised to become the most significant development project in the city’s history."

Samuel’s eyebrows rose slightly-the first genuine reaction I’d seen from him. "You’re well-informed."

"I try to be." I took a small sip of water, allowing my next words to land with appropriate weight. "Simpson Group seems confident they’ve already secured it, but their position isn’t as unassailable as they believe."