Chapter 10
Morgan's heart skipped a beat. "A Wynn family situation?"
Elizabeth nodded. "From what I've been told by a highly reliable source, David Wynn and his wife, Gwendolyn, were living separately at the time of her death."
"No longer living together?"
"Correct. At the property but not under the same roof," Elizabeth clarified.
Morgan's mind whirled. No wonder Harlow suspected her father might be responsible for her mother's death. They were no longer living as a married couple. She may have heard whispers of issues, but as far as Morgan could remember, she hadn't heard the couple was living apart. "Wow."
"This could be the reason the insurance was never paid out and why Harlow Wynn left not long after the fire and her mother's death."
Morgan popped out of the chair and paced. David Wynn didn't strike her as the killer type. Still, in the heat of the moment, who knows what may have happened? Some situation, some circumstance may have pushed him over the edge.
"I'm sure I don't have all the information, but as far as I know, there was no proof Wynn intentionally set the fire and killed his wife. However, it is something to take into consideration."
"I appreciate you sharing this with me. Did you mention it to Brett?" Morgan asked.
"I saw no reason to. You know how I detest gossip. This is borderline gossip, except for the fact I know the Wynns were not living together at the time of her death."
Morgan spun around. "You think I should pass?"
Elizabeth grabbed the armrests and slowly stood. She made her way over to the window, standing only inches away from Morgan. "I made my decision. I cannot and will not make yours."
"But if you were me, you wouldn't do it."
Elizabeth tilted her head, gazing thoughtfully at Morgan. "I see so much of myself in you. The spunk, the determination to pursue your dreams, what you believe in. Let me ask you this—how much are you investing?"
"The seven hundred thousand from the Shifting Sands Medallion reward money."
"Let's say it falls apart. You invest your money. The project stalls. Will you be okay with kissing the money goodbye?"
"Would it be painful? Absolutely. I refuse to believe this project can't be completed."
"You know my thoughts. I still do not believe it's a solid investment for Easton Holdings Company."
"And I completely understand where you're coming from."
"Hence, my decision. Brett isn't happy. Obviously, he sees the potential. For this reason alone, it could have become a top ten investment in Easton Holdings Company's history."
"But," Morgan prompted.
"Like I said before, and in light of the fact the Wynns were no longer residing together, it could get messy. Throw in a spoiled, pampered movie star, actress…whatever the daughter calls herself and it could be a disaster waiting to happen."
"If you had met Mr. Wynn, you might have changed your mind."
"Perhaps," Elizabeth agreed. "But maybe a ‘no' for Easton Holdings isn't a ‘no' for Morgan Easton. You are an intelligent woman. You must look at it from all angles. There is a sizeable sum of your money on the line."
"A very large sum," Morgan agreed. "If I lose it, I'm sure it will keep me up at night."
"Undoubtedly. You are standing at a crossroad. You must decide which road will be the one best traveled."
"For me."
"And only for you. Not for Brett. Not for me, but the best road for Morgan Elizabeth Easton to take," her grandmother said.
Morgan absentmindedly nodded. She could still see David Wynn. Still see the hopeful look in his eyes. Had he murdered his wife? Had he set the fire? Nothing was ever determined. And maybe it never would be.
Perhaps Harlow would show up and start throwing her weight around when she found out her dad had a partner.
Or maybe not. Maybe she had her own life, had written her father off and couldn't care less.
She'd felt an emotional connection with Wynn. Perhaps she was trying to turn him into the father she never knew. He seemed so genuine, so down-to-earth.
Get a grip. Morgan scolded herself. She would not, could not, let her emotions have any part in this financial decision. Yet, it was a sound venture. Brett had pursued it to the point of offering a partnership.
Her heart said yes. Her gut told her maybe. Morgan sucked in a breath. "I've made my decision."