"Joanne knows, Philip," Christina said quietly. "She might be the first to realize you're planning to name Jeffrey as your heir. And she's already decided to support him, whatever that future may be."
Her voice was steady, but the subject was heavy. She loved Jeffrey dearly. But she had other children. Other grandchildren. And the idea of favoring one above the rest… it weighed on her.
Philip exhaled. "Jeffrey told me he wants to settle in Rockchapel."
Christina's eyes softened. "They're so in love, aren't they?"
Philip heard the unspoken question in her tone. "You want me to let him go," he said. "Let him live quietly with her… build a life far away from all this."
He knew her too well. She didn't need to ask out loud.
