"Rose, things have reached a point where there are certain matters you need to know. But before that, let me ask you one thing. That Farley boy. Are you truly done with him?"
She knew I'd been in love with Sylvester once.
I didn't hesitate. "Completely. Not a shred left."
"Good."
She nodded and pulled another document from her bag.
"Rose, do you know why I've always insisted you keep a low profile all these years?"
I shook my head.
"Because your grandmother has been playing a very long game."
She opened the document. Inside were page after page of equity certificates.
"Over the years, I've been quietly acquiring hidden stakes in over a dozen major firms across Graystone. Including fifteen percent of Farley Group."
The air left my lungs.
"Grandma, you mean..."
"Exactly."
Her gaze was razor-sharp.
"Matriarch Farley thinks she's been outmaneuvering us. The truth is, I started positioning years ago. Those projects I just gave up? Smoke and mirrors. The real hand we're holding is right here."
She tapped the document.
"Rose, I'm old. This game is yours to finish now."
I started thinking about how to handle Sylvester.
But the first thing that arrived wasn't him. It was news about Lucy Stephens.