Chapter 530
Joie’s eyes widened in surprise. “So, the miracle doctor Miss Palmer found is actually from Eldermere p>
Jennifer nodded. “That’s right p>
A flicker of hope vanished from Joie’s face. “Oh, I really thought she’d found a real miracle worker. I hoped Miss Palmer could finally be free of all this p>
So it was just someone from Eldermere after all.
They walked on in silence before Jennifer seemed to remember something. She turned back to Joie, her tone a little lighter. “You know, not everyone from Eldermere is so awful. Miss Gonzales, for example-she’s different p>
Although Jennifer had her doubts about Caitlin’s medical skills, she genuinely admired Caitlin’s character and broad-mindedness.
Meanwhile, in the capital-
Keira had gone to Neon Spire to celebrate Hannah’s birthday, which meant Amanda had moved back into the Gonzales family estate. Stuart needed someone close by to look after him. There was a professional team of caregivers for his daily needs, but the house needed a family presence. Amanda, after all, was Stuart’s younger sister.
Before leaving, Keira had made it clear: Amanda should stay at the manor.
Now, Amanda stood in Stuart’s bedroom, overseeing the caregivers as they guided Stuart through his physical therapy. These exercises were essential to keep his legs from wasting away after so long in bed.
Once the routine was done, one of the nurses prepared an injection for Stuart. Amanda smiled and offered, “Let me do it p>
The nurse hesitated, uncomfortable. “Miss Amanda, Miss Caitlin gave very strict instructions. She said only I should handle Mr. Stuart’s medication-no one else p>
Amanda’s smile didn’t waver. “No one else? I’m Stuart’s sister-Freya’s aunt. Do you really think I count as an outsider? When Freya said ‘no one else,’ she meant besides you, not me p>
She held out her hand. “Go on, let me have it p>
The nurse glanced at her, uncertain, but finally handed over the medication.
Amanda took it, then gestured toward the door. “You can all clock out for today. I’ll take care of things here p>
The caregivers nodded and filed out, leaving Amanda alone with Stuart. She administered the injection herself with practiced hands—she’d nursed Stuart so many times before.
By the time Ann entered, Amanda had finished and was just leaving the room.
“Mom p>
“Ann p>
Ann peeked inside. “Is Uncle Stuart done with his therapy for today p>
Amanda nodded, smiling. “All done p>
Ann let out a breath, exasperated. “How can you still smile, Mom? You’re Grandma’s own daughter! You’ve done so much for her, but
ай
look what she’s done to you. When, the needs you, she calls you back to look after Uncle Stuart. The moment she doesn’t, she throws us out like we never mattered p>
She’d lived at the Gonzales estate for over twenty years, devoted herself to Keira,
only to be cast aside the moment Caitlin showed up.
From the day Keira kicked her out, Ann had stopped thinking of her as family.
Amanda narrowed her eyes. “Be patient. It won’t be long before the Gonzales Manor welcomes its true mistress p>
And when that day came, everyone else would be out on the street.
“How much longer?” Ann asked quietly, searching her mother’s face.
“Not long now,” Amanda replied, her smile growing sharper. “Really p>
Amanda squeezed her hand. “Have I ever lied to you p>
Ann’s excitement was plain. “That’s wonderful! Oh-Mom, there’s something else
I wanted to discuss with you p>
“What is it p>
“I’m planning a little tea party next month, on the 8th,” Ann said, her tone suddenly
coy. “I’ll invite everyone from our circle-and Daniel too p>
She hadn’t been able to attend the Richards’ gala with Keira, and she knew Daniel must have been disappointed. Ann had two reasons for hosting this party: first, to make it up to Daniel, to give him a chance to see her again and ease his heartache; second, to repair her reputation She Wanted everyone to see she was the real star in Daniel’s eyes-Caitlin couldn’t even compare.
Amanda frowned slightly. “Right now, Freya’s the center of attention in the Gonzales family. If you throw a tea party, I’m afraid p>
“You mean, you’re afraid no one will come?” Ann finished for her, reading Amanda’s mind.
Amanda nodded. “Exactly p>
Ann laughed, “That might have been true before but not anymore! You don’t know this yet, Mom, but Miss Palmer is my best friend now. I’ve already prepared an invitation for her With Miss Palmer attending people will be begging for an invite. They’ll be worried about missing out-not worried there won’t be anyone at my party p>