Chapter 134
The Richards family might have had a house full of brothers, but they were as close-knit as any clan could be. Even their wives got along like real sisters, with none of the backstabbing or rivalry you might expect in such a big family. Because everyone stood together, there hadn’t been a single objection years ago when the Richards brothers pooled a fortune to buy Freya her own private plane.
Freya wasn’t just the darling of her eight uncles—she was equally adored by their wives. None of the sisters-in-law had daughters of their own, and when Freya was born, she instantly became the bright little center of their world.
Hannah pressed her fingers to her temples. “Jade, you should stay home. There’s a whole household to look after. Stephanie and I can make the trip ourselves p>
Jade, the eldest daughter-in-law, had more than enough on her plate already.
“Alright, Mom. I’ll let Stephanie know p>
Hannah nodded. “Go on, then p>
As soon as Hannah’s visit to the city was confirmed, Amanda sprang into action.
The Richards family wasn’t just the old money power behind Neon Spire; their influence stretched far beyond, even overseas. These days, their social standing had long since surpassed that of the Gonzales family.
With the Richards family matriarch herself coming to visit Keira, Amanda knew she couldn’t afford to slack off.
She called her daughter over. “Ann, you’re coming to the airport with me the day after tomorrow. Make sure you dress up-first impressions count. I want Hannah to notice you p>
All thirteen of Hannah’s grandsons were outstanding young men. If Ann could catch Hannah’s eye, her future could be limitless.
“But Mom,” Ann protested, “Hannah isn’t really my grandmother. Is there even a point in trying to impress her p>
Amanda narrowed her eyes. “Of course there is! Freya’s gone now-you’re the only child left in the Gonzales family. And even if you aren’t blood-related to the Richards, you’re still related to Freya. You’re about the same age too. Hannah is sentimental; if you make a good impression, she’ll think of Freya when she sees you. Remember, Keira has thirteen grandsons, but not a single granddaughter she truly dotes on p>
Amanda patted Ann’s hand, her voice earnest. “Ann, not being related by blood to the Richards family might actually be a good thing. Think about it-Hannah’s thirteen grandsons are all still single, and each one is a catch. If you can get close to them—maybe even marry into the family, have the first great-grandchild-then the whole of Neon Spire could be yours one day p>
Ann nodded, a flicker of envy in her eyes.
Freya really was born under a lucky star.
From day one, she belonged to two of the most powerful families in the city, had eight influential uncles wrapped around her finger, and thirteen extraordinary cousins to protect her. Even her aunts, who shared no blood with her, spoiled her rotten.
But so what if Freya had always been the family’s little princess?
Freya was dead now.
What could a dead girl possibly steal from her?
Ann was determined-she would claim every advantage Freya had left behind, one step at a time. Her mother was right: as long as she won Hannah’s favor and became the Richards family’s granddaughter-in-law, there’d be nothing stopping her rise to the top.
Then, both the Gonzales and the Richards families would be hers for the taking. With that thought, Ann’s eyes lit up with fierce ambition.
Amanda gave her a gentle tap on the head, handing over a bowl of nourishing soup. “Alright, take this to your grandmother p>
“Why do I always have to do these menial chores?” Ann grumbled, her irritation clear as she accepted the bowl. “Whenever it’s something tedious, it’s left to me. No one ever thinks of me when there’s something good. She’d rather let the family’s plane gather dust in the hangar than let me use it p>
Ann had been working towards her pilot’s license lately and had hoped to borrow the family jet-she’d mentioned it offhand to Keira, only to have her face turn stony on the spot.
“That plane was bought by Freya’s uncles just for her,” Keira had said. “No one else is to touch it p>
That had been the last straw for Ann. After all these years of tending to Keira, practically waiting on her hand and foot, she still couldn’t win her favor.
Keira would rather let an expensive jet sit unused than let Ann take it for a spin. Worse, Ann had already bragged to her friends about having a private plane at her disposal. Now, she couldn’t even set foot on it-how was she supposed to hold her head up among her peers?
The more Ann thought about it, the angrier she became. No matter what she did, Keira would never love her like she loved Freya. Keira’s favoritism was unshakable.
Amanda gave her a reassuring smile. “I know you feel unappreciated, Ann, but your grandmother is old-sometimes she says hurtful things without meaning to. You’re young; there’s no shame in letting it go. And honestly, it’s just a plane. Your uncle is in a coma, and when his time comes, everything the Gonzales family owns will be yours anyway. You really think I’d compete with you for it p>