Chapter 223
Irene’s feelings for Caitlin went beyond simple affection.
More than anything, she admired her.
That’s why, in Irene’s mind, Caitlin would surely know how to help with Keira’s migraines.
But Keira just shook her head. “It’s nothing serious. My headaches haven’t flared up lately, and I don’t want to trouble myself traveling now that the weather’s turned cold p>
The truth was, unless something involved Freya, Keira hadn’t been interested in much of anything lately.
Since Keira refused, Irene didn’t press her. “Alright then. When spring comes, I’ll come to the city and take you out to Silverhaven for a change of scenery p>
“Sounds good,” Keira replied, nodding.
The two were still chatting when Amanda Gonzales approached, Ann Templeton at her side.
“Mom. Irene,” Amanda called out.
“Grandma. Lady Irene,” Ann chimed in respectfully.
Irene gave them a polite nod.
Keira looked at Amanda in surprise. “Amanda, I thought you were heading back to Heartwood Vale with Gavin today p>
Heartwood Vale was Gavin Templeton’s hometown. Every year, right before the holidays, Amanda accompanied her husband home to honor his family’s traditions.
Today was supposed to be the day Amanda left.
“Gavin had some last-minute business to take care of, so we decided to leave the day after tomorrow,” Amanda explained, pausing briefly. “Oh, and Mom-Ann’s not coming with us this year p>
“That’s fine. You and Gavin can make your own arrangements,” Keira said, rarely interfering in her daughter and son-in-law’s family matters.
Amanda continued, “Ann wants to take a trip to Neon Spire before the holiday.” Neon Spire?
Keira was still processing this when Amanda added, “Mom, last time Dowager Hannah Richards and Lady Stephanie came all the way to the city to visit you. Now that Ann’s going to Neon Spire, wouldn’t it be rude not to drop by and pay a visit to the Richards family p>
The truth was, ever since Hannah and Stephanie had returned home, Ann had been waiting-waiting for Stephanie to personally invite her to visit the Richards estate. After all, during their time in the city, both women had been extremely taken with Ann. By all logic, Stephanie should have reached out by now.
But with the holidays fast approaching and no word from Stephanie, Amanda had grown anxious. Some opportunities are best seized early; wait too long, and they might slip away for another year.
Besides, Stephanie was a formidable career woman, not the type to fuss over social niceties—she’d probably just forgotten to send an invitation in the whirlwind of her schedule.
Hearing all this, Keira considered for a moment before replying, “Amanda, if Ann wants to visit Neon Spire as a tourist, she should go. But I really don’t think she should trouble the Richards family p>
In the end, Ann was just the granddaughter of the Gonzales family. She had no real ties to the Richardses. What would it look like if she showed up at their door uninvited? Whom would she be representing? To outsiders, it might seem as if Ann was trying to climb the social ladder.
Keira had always been someone who saw the bigger picture. She couldn’t allow gossip to swirl about Ann-or herself, as the family matriarch-being tactless or thoughtless.
As soon as Keira finished, Ann’s expression soured.
She’d always known that in Keira’s eyes, she could never compare to Freya Gonzales. But she hadn’t expected Keira to forbid her even from visiting the Richards family.
Why?
Why was everything off-limits to her?
She wasn’t allowed near the plane. She wasn’t allowed to touch the jewelry. Now she couldn’t even visit the Richardses?
What was Keira so afraid of? That she might outshine Freya and win over the Richardses?
That had to be it.
Otherwise, why else would Keira hold her back?
Favoritism. Blatant favoritism.
Was Freya the only granddaughter who mattered? Did Ann herself not count at all?
The more she thought about it, the more her heart ached.
Amanda’s smile faltered when she heard Keira’s answer. “Mom, I understand your concerns, but Hannah and Lady Stephanie went out of their way to visit you. If Ann travels all the way to Neon Spire and doesn’t so much as pay her respects, won’t people start to talk p>