Chapter 374
She’d met countless people in her life, but it was the first time she’d seen such a beautiful young girl.
“Hello, Freya, it’s lovely to meet you,” said Old Mrs. Ryan, warmly taking Caitlin’s hand. Her eyes crinkled with a genuine smile. “Freya, when you were little, Grandma Ryan used to hold you in her arms. You were just a tiny thing, and now look at you—grown into such a lovely young lady p>
After speaking, Old Mrs. Ryan turned toward Keira, her tone softening even further. “Keira, Freya looks just like you did when you were young p>
“Really?” Keira’s face lit up with pure delight.
“Absolutely p>
At that moment, Carla seemed to recover from her daze, unable to help but exclaim, “Freya, you really are so beautiful p>
Everyone appreciates beauty-Carla was no exception.
“Thank you, Mrs. Ryan,” Caitlin replied politely.
Just then, Amanda arrived, leading Ann by the hand.
Amanda walked straight up to Old Mrs. Ryan and Carla, greeting them with a bright smile. “Old Mrs. Ryan, Mrs. Ryan, we’re so happy to welcome you to the Gonzales family home p>
Old Mrs. Ryan recognized Amanda right away, her smile widening. “Amanda, all these years and you haven’t changed a bit—still as young and elegant as ever p>
“Thank you for the compliment, Mrs. Ryan,” Amanda replied graciously. “Let me introduce you this is my daughter, Ann p>
Ann took a step forward, looking every bit the well-mannered, demure young lady. “Hello, Grandma Ryan, hello Mrs. Ryan. I’m Ann-please, just call me Ann p>
An
Ann had the classic charm of a sweet, delicate girl. If Caitlin hadn’t been standing right there.for comparison, Ann would have been considered a real beauty in her own right. But next to Caitlin’s striking looks, Ann seemed a bit plain, almost insipid.
Carla, ever the straightforward one, raised an eyebrow. “Ann, what happened to your foot? I remember you were just fine as a child p>
Carla was never one for subtlety. Old Mrs. Ryan had only warned her not to bring up the Richards family in front of Keira, afraid it might upset her. Now, spotting Ann’s limp, Carla’s curiosity got the better of her and she asked without hesitation. No matter how careful Ann was with her steps, there was no hiding a limp.
At Carla’s question, a flash of anger flickered in Ann’s downcast eyes.
It was all Caitlin’s fault! If Caitlin had just spoken up and insisted on treating her, she wouldn’t be like this now-crippled for life. She did it on purpose. That wretched country girl! She was just jealous.
Ann forced herself to stay calm, pasting on a polite smile. “I had a small accident not long ago. I’m sorry if it startled you, Mrs. Ryan p>
“Is there any chance it’ll heal?” Carla pressed on. “You’re still so young, after all p>
Ann felt another stab of pain, as if Carla’s words had cut straight to her heart. She could barely breathe.
Old Mrs. Ryan sensed her daughter-in-law had gone too far and quickly cleared her throat, trying to dispel the awkwardness. “Come on, let’s go inside, Keira I really envy you both your granddaughter and your niece are such rare beauties. It’s not every day you see girls as charming as them p>
Rare beauties? Ann bit her lip, her eyes filled with resentment. Rare? Someone as outstanding as her should be one in a million. Was she really less than Caitlin?
Just then, Amanda squeezed Ann’s hand and gave her a reassuring look. I’m here. She would never let Caitlin steal her daughter’s spotlight.
Inside the house, Keira and Old Mrs. Ryan sat together. Originally, Amanda and Carla were supposed to sit side by side, but Carla, ever the one drawn to beauty, tugged at
Caitin’s hand Freya you
sit with me. Just having you nearby makes my day p>