Chapter 99 Meeting with Friends

When Edmond presented the gifts, he had set the stage with a purpose. They were, after all, for Jaxson, with the hope that Elinor would appreciate them. Once a gift was given, it was like water that had been poured out. How could one possibly take it back? "How much was it?" Jaxson asked again persistently. Reading Jaxson's intense demeanor, Edmond understood the underlying issue. He shared the exact amount spent. Without wasting another moment, Jaxson immediately transferred the amount to Edmond. Earlier, Edmond had commented on the importance of communication. He continued, "You made a great point earlier. If there's a rift between the two of you, address it head-on. How do you expect your relationship to move forward with so much unspoken between you?" Jaxson chuckled bitterly, "Communicate? The only thing we can possibly discuss now is whether or not to divorce. She dreams of leaving me. Tell me, given this, how can we communicate?" He realized that if he voiced any affecti