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"I heard Miss Palmer isn't just here for Hannah's birthday-she's also come to Eldermere to find Dr. Oracle."

"Dr. Oracle?" someone chimed in. "Why look for Dr. Oracle when she's already at Neon Spire? I've heard Miss Gonzales is an amazing doctor herself. Didn't she save Hannah's life when things looked hopeless? Maybe Miss Gonzales and Miss Palmer will hit it off and become friends!"

"Friends? That's a stretch. Miss Palmer is only attending the Richards' birthday celebration because she's already in town to see Dr. Oracle-and, frankly, out of respect for Hannah and the late Mr. Richards. Besides, rumor has it that back in Valerium, Miss Palmer's closest friend is a princess from the royal family!"

Caitlin might be adored by both the Gonzales and Richards families, but she was never really a princess.

Could Caitlin become good friends with Miss Palmer first?

Unlikely. That would be next to impossible.

"And let's be real-Dr. Oracle is said to perform miracles. Can Miss Gonzales do that? Maybe you don't know, but the Palmer family carries a terrible curse. Every son is born with a fatal illness and never lives past twenty-eight. Both of Miss Palmer's older brothers died at twenty-seven. The last one left is twenty-seven now-the only remaining heir. Miss Palmer is here to find Dr. Oracle, hoping to break the Palmer family's curse."

Throughout all the gossip swirling around her, Caitlin's face remained composed, as if none of it had anything to do with her.

So calm, you'd think she wasn't the one being discussed.

Meanwhile, Hannah held Caitlin's arm, introducing her to each of the Richards family relatives.

"Freya, this is your great-aunt."

"Hello, Aunt Margaret." Caitlin greeted her politely.

Her great-aunt squeezed Caitlin's hand, her face beaming with warmth. "They're right, you know-Freya, you're absolutely stunning! You look just like a movie star!"

Then she turned to Hannah and added, "Hannah, Freya looks so much like you!" Hannah's eyes sparkled. "Really?"

"Of course," her great-aunt replied earnestly. "Freya is the spitting image of you when you were young!"

Hannah's joy was palpable. She personally escorted her aunt into the banquet hall, then returned to stand at the entrance with her children and Caitlin, greeting the arriving guests.

Normally, someone of Hannah's stature wouldn't be expected to stand at the door and welcome people—especially today, on her own birthday. She could simply wait inside and receive everyone's well-wishes.

But she insisted on greeting guests herself, making it clear to everyone just how much Caitlin meant to the Richards family.

The guests arrived in waves, one after another.

It was then that Keira entered, accompanied by her assistant. She smiled warmly at Hannah. "My dear old friend, congratulations! May you live long and well-may your years be as enduring as the mountain blessed with happiness and health."

"Thank you," Hannah replied, stepping forward to embrace her. "Keira, you've come such a long way and your health isn't the best. With Freya here, you didn't need to make the trip yourself."

Keira laughed "You're Freya's grandmother How could I not be here for your birthday? Not just this year-I'll come next year and the year after that. When you turn & hundred I'll be right by your side. You're not getting rid of me!

Hannah grinned, taking her hand. "From your lips to God's ears. When that day comes, Carey will be back Stuart will be better, and our whole family will be together again." Her eyes brimmed with hope at the thought.

AS

Keira nodded, sharing her smile, both women holding onto the dream of a joyful reunion.

After settling Keira in the banquet hall, Caitlin joined Hannah and the rest of the family at the entrance, continuing to welcome guests.

Suddenly, a wave of excitement rippled through the crowd at the door.

"Look! It's Miss Palmer!"

"Miss Palmer is here!"