"Alright."

Caitlin turned to Ms. Belinda. "Ms. Belinda, if there's nothing else, I'll head home now."

Ms. Belinda nodded, her eyes warm with approval. "Go on, then. Get home safe." Celeste was waiting just outside for Caitlin.

As soon as Caitlin stepped out, Celeste hurried over, barely able to contain her curiosity. “Catie, what did Ms. Belinda want to talk to you about?"

"She wanted to discuss the speech," Caitlin replied.

"A speech? Wait, you mean the big one? In front of the whole school?" Celeste's eyes widened.

Caitlin nodded slightly. "Yeah, that's the one."

Celeste immediately pressed on, "Catie, aren't you nervous?"

Central Academy had twenty-five senior classes, thirty junior classes, and twenty- eight freshman classes-over 4,500 students and staff in all.

Just picturing the scene made Celeste's scalp tingle.

Caitlin shrugged, her tone relaxed. "I'm alright. I'll just go with the flow when the time comes."

Celeste grinned. "Catie, you've got this! I'll be in the crowd cheering you on tomorrow."

"Thanks."

Caitlin lived in Willow Manor now, so getting home was a breeze. She and Celeste walked out of campus together, and it wasn't long before they reached the gates of Willow Manor.

"I'm heading in, March," Caitlin said.

Celeste waved. "See you tomorrow, Catie!"

"See you."

Senior year classes didn't let out until after six.

When Caitlin got home, Fortune had already set the table. "Catie, how was your first day back at school? Settling in alright?"

"I'm getting the hang of it," Caitlin replied.

Fortune poured her a glass of fresh apple juice. "Nobody gave you trouble, did they? No mean new classmates?"

Caitlin had been out of school for over a year, and Fortune worried she might have a hard time adjusting or worse, that someone would pick on his granddaughter.

Caitlin smiled, her dimples showing. "Grandpa, your granddaughter's pretty popular. Who would dare mess with me? Don't worry."

"Good, good." Fortune's face softened with relief. "But Catie, if you ever run into any trouble, promise me you'll tell your teachers—and your grandpa, too. No keeping things to yourself."

No matter how old Caitlin got, she would always be his little girl, someone to protect and cherish.

"Of course, Grandpa. I promise."

Caitlin had a habit of taking a walk after dinner.

She'd only been outside for a few minutes when-

Screech!

A luxury car pulled up beside her, brakes squealing slightly. The window rolled down to reveal a sharply handsome face. Then came a deep, mellow voice: "Catie?"

Caitlin blinked in surprise. "Gordon?"

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

Gordon smiled. “Just passing by, and I happened to see you. Where are you headed? Need a ride?"

"What a coincidence!" Caitlin laughed. "I'm just out for a walk. No need to drive me I'm sure you're busy."

"Alright," Gordon nodded, then as if remembering something, stepped out of the car. “Actually, I have something for you.”

"Oh? What is it?"

"Some tea."

He popped the trunk and brought out a sleek box, handing it to Caitlin. She took it, lifted the lid, and inhaled gently. "Is this Le Palais des Thés?"

Gordon nodded.

Caitlin shook her head at once. "This is way too nice-I can't accept it."

She was a tea lover herself, and she knew just how special Le Palais des Thés could be.

Gordon smiled. "Tea only reveals its true worth in the hands of someone who appreciates it. Otherwise, it's no different from any ordinary blend. Besides, tea is for sharing. If you really feel bad, just treat me to a meal next time."