"Why not?" Cassidy looked genuinely puzzled. "Is it because Freya isn't pretty enough?"

Jimmy chuckled. "No one could deny she's beautiful. But beauty alone isn't enough-she's got no spark."

He didn't need an ornament on his arm.

If all he wanted was a pretty face, he wouldn't have waited this long.

Cassidy immediately protested, "Jimmy, you've got it all wrong. Freya's not just a pretty face."

To her, Caitlin was the most interesting girl she'd ever met.

Jimmy said nothing.

Cassidy glanced over at him and went on, "I brought a whole group of friends today-didn't you like any of them? If someone caught your eye, just tell me. I'll introduce you."

He shook his head. "Honestly, they're all just bland and ordinary to me."

Cassidy was at a loss for words.

A little ways off, Caitlin was carefully tucking a handful of wild herbs into her backpack before moving on to pluck another.

Noticing how far ahead the others had walked, Cassidy wandered over, curiosity getting the better of her. "Freya, what are you picking those weeds for?"

Caitlin smiled. "These aren't just weeds-they're snake-tongue herb. It's actually a medicinal plant―good for easing coughs, soothing sore throats, even treating snake bites. It also boosts the immune system."

She had a soft spot for traditional medicine, and her curiosity was almost a professional quirk. Wherever she went, if she spotted useful herbs, she just had to stop and gather some-just in case.

Cassidy's eyes widened in surprise. "Seriously?"

Caitlin nodded. "Absolutely. If you don't believe me, Google it."

Cassidy whipped out her phone, snapped a picture, and searched. Sure enough, the internet confirmed everything Caitlin had said.

"Freya, you're amazing!" Cassidy shot Caitlin a big thumbs-up.

Caitlin laughed. "Just a bit of expertise, that's all."

Cassidy drew Jimmy over. "Oh, let me introduce you this is my cousin, Jimmy."

Jimmy reached out his hand. "Miss Gonzales, nice to meet you. Jimmy Parsons." "Jimmy?" Caitlin repeated his name as she shook his hand, almost to herself.

A flicker of annoyance crossed Jimmy's face. Did he know her that

well? Was she using his first name cozy júšť, because she'd heard about his family?

on purpose trying to get me

He couldn't stand people like that.

The next moment, Caitlin smiled and said, "Jimmy is such a friendly, approachable name. Jimmy Carter was known for his humility, and Jimmy Fallon is famous for being funny and down-to-earth."

Jimmy was taken aback. No one had ever commented on his name like that before.

Even Cassidy was surprised. "Wow, Jimmyewho knew you were such

an easy going guy?"

"You talk too much," Jimmy shot back at her.

Cassidy fell silent.

No wonder he was still single.

The Ryan family.

Mrs. Ryan had been away for a few days.

Farrell Ryan had been waiting anxiously for her to come home.

At last, around nine-thirty in the morning, Mrs. Ryan finally returned.

"Grandma, you have to help me!" Farrell hurried over, clutching her arm.

"What's going on?" Mrs. Ryan looked at her, bewildered.