“That’s not a very billionaire answer.”
“It may be my first honest one.”
This time, Mason’s smile lasted.
They returned upstairs.
Anna had gathered the papers into a neat stack, but she had left Claire’s letter open on the table.
“There is someone else we need to speak with,” she said. “Mason’s grandmother is expecting a call.”
Mason’s smile vanished. “You contacted her?”
“Claire asked me to. She believed this conversation should include everyone affected.”
Anna opened a laptop and began the video call.
The screen rang twice before the image appeared.
An elderly woman sat in a bright kitchen with flowered curtains behind her. Her silver hair had been pinned loosely at the back of her head, and she wore a thick green cardigan despite the afternoon sunlight pouring through the window.
Beside her was a little girl with dark curls and serious brown eyes.
“Mason!” the girl cried.
His entire posture changed.
“Hey, Gracie.”
Grace leaned so close to the screen that only one eye and half her nose remained visible.
“Grandma said you’re in Switzerland.”
“I am.”
“Did you see a mountain?”
“From the plane.”
“Did it have snow?”
“A little.”
“Did you bring me anything?”
Mason glanced at Henry. “I’ve been here for about an hour.”
“That’s enough time to buy chocolate.”
Despite the tension, Henry laughed.
Grace finally noticed him.
“Who’s that man?”
“This is Henry.”
Her eyes moved to the baby in his arms.
“Is that Nora?”
Mason looked surprised. “You know about Nora?”
Grace nodded enthusiastically.
“Claire showed me pictures before the baby came. She said Nora would have your nose.”
Everyone went still.
Mason touched his face as if he had forgotten what his nose looked like.
His grandmother cleared her throat.
“Grace, sweetheart, would you take your drawing into the sitting room? I need to speak with your brother.”
Grace frowned. “Am I in trouble?”
“No.”
“Is Mason?”
“No one is in trouble.”
Grace considered this before slipping down from the chair.
“Bring chocolate,” she ordered Mason.
Then she disappeared from view.
Mason waited until the kitchen door closed.
“How much did Claire tell you?”
His grandmother folded her hands on the table.
