"Oh, come on! I'm just telling the truth, aren't I?" Skyler put on an over-the-top, teasing tone, then started mimicking a girl's coy voice. “Uncle, you're so mean! I know you care about me, but you just keep that stern face on, as if you could really push me away with that act. Do you really think that'll work?"

Gordon just stared at him in silence.

Was having ears really necessary for dealing with people like this?

Elsewhere.

The Capital.

The Gonzales estate.

Irene Chatham had originally planned to spend just a couple of days in The Capital for business meetings before heading home. But things got complicated. One thing led to another, and she ended up staying for over three months.

She decided to make the most of it, and every day, whenever she had a spare moment, she'd visit Keira, keeping her company and chatting with her.

That afternoon, Irene and Keira were strolling through the back garden together.

Winter had stripped most of the world bare, but the back garden's cherry blossoms were in full bloom-blazing red against the pale landscape.

Keira linked arms with Irene as they walked, her gaze drifting over the sea of blossoms. Something seemed to cross her mind, and she smiled. "Irene, do you like cherry blossoms?"

"They're one of winter's saving graces. Of course I do," Irene replied. “But

honestly, I have a soft spot for the white ones. They're a little rarer-so quiet and elegant. Scholars seem to love them."

Keira nodded. "I remember Freya always loved the red ones best. She was just a baby back then-two months old maybe? Every time she cried, all I had to do was wave a little fake cherry blossom in front of her, and she'd stop.”

At that, Keira sighed softly. "I still have that flower, you know. I keep hoping that, one day, Freya will come home, and I'll be able to tell her all about the silly things she did as a child."

With the holidays drawing closer, Keira missed her granddaughter more fiercely than ever. Lately, no matter what she was doing, Freya was always on her mind.

For most families, the New Year meant reunion and happiness. But for Keira, it felt more like surviving a storm.

The house would fill with laughter and warmth for others, but for her, it was just an endless ache.

Irene glanced at Keira. "Don't dwell on it, Keira. I know Freya's not here, but you still have Amanda and Ann. The holidays are coming-maybe try to focus on happier things?"

"Happier things?" Keira's smile was wry and tired. "Irene, do you really think there's anything happy left for me to remember?"

Ever since her son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter were all lost to her, Keira's world had dimmed to endless gray. There was no light left-no color at all.

Everyone told her to look on the bright side. But how could she? She'd had such a beautiful family, a precious little granddaughter—and, in the space of a single night, it had all vanished.

Irene, a mother herself, understood the grief gnawing at Keira's heart. But she had no idea how to ease it.

Suddenly, an idea flickered in Irene's mind. "Oh! Keira, do you remember the young healer I told you about?"

"Of course," Keira nodded.

Irene was known for her proud, solitary nature—she almost never praised anyone. But she'd made an exception for Caitlin, that remarkable young healer who'd even saved Irene's life. Keira had never forgotten the impression that made.

"The work here is just about finished, so I'll be heading back to Silverhaven soon," Irene said. "Why don't you come with me? A change of scenery would do you good, and besides, your migraines still haven't gone away. Come meet Miss Kensington with me. Who knows-maybe she'll be able to help you for good."