Chapter 236
Watching Jade praise her so openly, Ann couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride.
Jade was the matriarch of the Richards family-renowned for her discerning taste and stern demeanor, rarely offering compliments to anyone. Yet today, she had spoken so highly of Ann. That could only mean one thing: Jade must truly like her.
As far as Ann knew, Jade and Warren had a son, Easton Richards, an accomplished man of thirty-two. Unfortunately for Ann, Easton had already been married for three years and had a young son of his own. So, Jade wasn’t someone Ann needed to win over for her own prospects. Still, she didn’t dare offend the Richards matriarch; after all, Jade’s influence within the family was undeniable.
“Thank you for your kind words, Aunt Jade,” Ann replied, then quickly added, “Aunt Jade, I’d like to go check on Grandma Hannah p>
Jade nodded. “Come with me p>
Ann followed Jade through the house. In the back room, Hannah lay in bed, pale and frail. The sight brought tears to Ann’s eyes. She hurried to the bedside, grasped Hannah’s hand, and choked out, “Grandma Hannah, are you feeling any better? Can you hear me p>
Stephanie couldn’t hide her annoyance. The way Ann looked so heartbroken, so distraught—anyone would think they were close relatives. In reality, they’d only met twice. What a performance! Even Jade’s brow furrowed, her expression cooling ever so slightly. No wonder Stephanie didn’t like Ann; Jade herself was starting to feel the same way.
Ann’s dramatic entrance left Justin and Zachary, both standing nearby, momentarily stunned. Who was this girl? Why did she seem so devastated?
Stephanie quickly stepped in to introduce them. “Justin, Zachary, let me introduce you. This is Ann, granddaughter of Keira from Capital City p>
She turned to Ann. “Ann, this is your Uncle Justin and Uncle Zachary p>
Ann wiped away her tears and looked up at the two men. “Uncle Justin, Uncle Zachary just call me Ann p>
Both men nodded in acknowledgment. Ann then turned back to Jade. “Aunt Jade, my grandmother wanted to come see Grandma Hannah herself, but her health hasn’t been great these past few years. Just before we left, her headaches flared up again, so my mom had to stay home to look after her and my uncle. Since I happened to be in Neon Spire these days, my grandmother asked me to visit on her behalf p>
Jade nodded, understanding. She knew about Keira’s condition. “You’re a good child. Tell your grandmother to focus on getting better-she needn’t worry about anything else p>
“Aunt Jade, how is Grandma Hannah doing now? What have the doctors said?” At the mention of Hannah, Jade sighed and explained her condition truthfully. Ann’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Something called “Golden Needle Channel Activation”? So Hannah’s injuries weren’t incurable after all-she just hadn’t found the right doctor. If Ann could bring in a skilled physician and pull Hannah back from the brink, she’d be the Richards family’s savior. After that, in a place like Neon Spire, wouldn’t she have anything she wanted at her fingertips?
Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Irene followed the address Victor Winslow had given her and soon arrived at Caitlin’s new home-Willow Manor.
When Irene rang the bell, Fortune happened to be at home.
“Good afternoon, sir. Is Miss Caitlin Kensington home?” she asked politely.
Fortune stared at Irene for a moment, then smiled. “You’re here to see Catie p>
Irene nodded. “Yes, I have some gifts for her, and I’d like to discuss a few matters p>
“Come in, come in! I’m Catie’s grandfather,” Fortune said warmly, ushering her inside.
“So you must be Mr. Kensington,” Irene replied, following him into the house.
Fortune busied himself making tea for his guest. Irene accepted the cup with both hands. “Thank you, Mr. Kensington. Is Miss Kensington home p>
Fortune shook his head. “Catie left for a trip to Neon Spire p>