CHAPTER 79: Unrelenting Burden

Philip

As I sat on the hotel's third floor, engaged in a meeting and enjoying a cup of coffee, my attention was drawn to Sarah and Jane, visible through the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Positioned in the open-air restaurant nestled within the garden below, I had a clear line of sight of my ex-wife.

Moments later, Bronn Martin appeared, clutching a bouquet. Witnessing Sarah accept the floral gesture with evident delight, I couldn't help but clench my jaw.

"President Cornell?" The private investigator I had hired pulled me from my reverie.

"Boss?" echoed Alex, detecting my distraction.

Snapping back to attention, I turned to face them. "My apologies. What were you saying?"

Clearing his throat, the investigator continued, "Here are the files you requested. According to my sources, Madam Cornell and Dr. Smith have known each other for over two decades. They hail from the same hometown."

I reached out and accepted the thick envelope containing the compiled information.

"And