Chapter 482
Caitlin and her grandmother sat propped up against the headboard—well, to be precise, Caitlin was nestled against Hannah, listening intently as Hannah
recounted stories from her past.
Hannah spoke with earnest care, and Caitlin listened just as seriously.
For a moment, Hannah felt as if she’d been transported back thirty years, to an ordinary night long ago.
That night, her daughter had leaned against her just like this, listening as she spoke of days gone by.
But time had swept everything away.
Nothing was the same anymore.
With a long sigh, Hannah murmured, “Freya, your mother used to say I always smelled comforting. She loved curling up beside me and listening to my stories, just like you do p>
She paused, her voice tinged with longing. “I wonder if I’ll ever see your mother again in this lifetime p>
If she couldn’t, it would be her one lasting regret.
“You will,” Caitlin replied, eyes shining with conviction. “Grandma, I promise I’’III find her p>
Hannah nodded, a gentle smile settling on her face. “I believe you, sweetheart.” That night, the two of them talked for hours. Caitlin couldn’t even remember when she finally drifted off to sleep.
Before she knew it, two days had passed.
The Richards family had come back from every corner of the globe.
Her uncles, aunts, and older cousins seemed to have coordinated in advance- each brought Caitlin mountains of gifts, so many that her bedroom could barely hold them all.
Caitlin, not to be outdone, brought out her own presents for her uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Everyone was delighted with her thoughtful gifts.
That evening, the entire Richards clan gathered in the sprawling, 1,200-square- foot living room for a grand family dinner.
The Richardses had a specially made round dining table-big enough to seat fifty people at once.
Caitlin sat at the very center, surrounded by relatives on every side-a cherished little princess in the heart of her family.
The butler circled the room with a camera, calling out, “Three, two, one-cheese p>
A perfect moment was captured on film.
The camera spat out the photo instantly.
Hannah laughed, “Quick, quick, let me see it p>
The butler hurried over and handed her the picture.
Hannah took it, immediately spotting Caitlin. “Look at Freya—she’s just so photogenic. What a beautiful picture p>
Molly Archer chimed in with a smile, “That’s because Freya is beautiful to begin with p>
Hyacinth Howard nodded in agreement, “Molly’s right-Freya is lovely p>
Soon, conversation shifted to tomorrow’s big event: Xavier bringing his girlfriend home to meet the family.
Jade turned to Hedwig. “Hedwig, what’s your criteria for a future daughter-in-law p>
Hedwig threw her arm around Caitlin’s shoulders and grinned. “I don’t have many requirements—as long as she gets Freya’s approval, she’s good enough for me.” Stephanie piped up, “Well, Freya’s standards are simple. As long as Xavier’s girlfriend isn’t the woman who gave her a hard time on the plane, she’ll be fine p>
Hedwig narrowed her eyes, instantly catching the implication. “Wait-Kelley, are you saying someone bullied Freya? Who would dare p>
Having raised three sons and no daughters, Hedwig regarded her niece as the daughter she never had. The thought of anyone mistreating Caitlin infuriated her.
And she wasn’t the only one. As the story was recounted, a wave of indignation swept through the room.
Xavier turned to Caitlin reassuringly. “Don’t worry, Freya. I can’t make many promises, but I can guarantee Katrina isn’t the woman from your flight p>
Caitlin nodded, her voice soft. “Brother Xavier, I was just speaking offhand. What are the odds of a coincidence like that p>
The next morning arrived.
Katrina followed Xavier up the long drive to Richards Manor.
As they stood before the imposing stone façade, Katrina tugged at Xavier’s sleeve, nerves getting the best of her “Xavier, I’m so nervous. By the way, what should I call your sister when I meet her p>
It was easy enough to address Hannah and the other elders, but she was unsure
how to greet Freya.
Xavier smiled at her. “Just call her Freya, like I do p>
“Okay.” Katrina took a deep breath. “Alright p>
Xavier squeezed her hand gently. “Don’t be so nervous. Freya’s smart and fair.
I’m sure she’ll like you p>
Katrina nodded, trying to steady herself.
The Richard’s estate was vast; even
after passing through the main gates, it took another three minutes
by car to reach the manor house,
every inch of the grounds gleaming with quiet opulence.
The thought that she might one day be mistress of such a home filled Katrina with
pride.
Inside the grand entry hall, more
than thirty members of the Richards family had gathered all taking this
introduction seriously. Caitlin
remained in the place of honor,
seated beside Hannah.
Standing at the doors, Xavier paused and glanced at Katrina. “You ready? The
butler’s about to open the doors p>
Katrina straightened, rallying her courage. “Ready p>
Xavier nodded to the butler. “Zack, go ahead p>
With a respectful bow, the butler pushed the doors open.
Snap-