Chapter 37

The family urged Grandma to leave, and after a quick touch-up, she allowed Marian to wheel her out. "Amanda should be here by now; let's not keep her waiting," Grandma said, sounding eager.

Marian, ever the jokester, chimed in, "Grandma, you've only got Amanda on your mind today. There are quite a few important people here, you know."

With a proud twinkle in her eye, Grandma replied, "None of them matter as much as my granddaughter. Speaking of which, did you get those share transfer documents ready?"

"All set for tomorrow, ma'am. Transferring all your shares to Amanda might cause a bit of a stir with the family, though."

Grandma huffed, "If they don't show Amanda love, why shouldn't I? Once she's married, she's nothing to those people. What business is it of theirs if I give her my shares? And did you see those fools today, completely outmaneuvered by Nicole? Amanda won't get anything if I don't act now."

"Amanda's lucky to have such a caring grandmother," Marian remarked.

As I listened, a mix of warmth and sadness washed over me. Grandma was incredible, but I could no longer bask in her kindness.

Marian was taking a shortcut to the banquet hall when I overheard a deep, cold voice. "Still no sign of her? How can someone just vanish?"

"Mr. Derek, we've looked everywhere. Unless..." The words trailed off as the speaker noticed Grandma and fell silent.

I found it curious. What was Derek searching for? Surely not me. We barely knew each other. If Chase ignored me, why would Derek be hunting for me? It must have been my imagination.

Snowflakes fell thickly under the streetlights as Derek stood there in a sleek black suit, his hair dusted with snow. His usually cold eyes softened slightly upon seeing Grandma. He gave a polite nod. "Madam," he said.

Grandma scrutinized him, a hint of doubt in her voice. "You're from the Reyes family, aren't you?"

"This is Mr. Derek Reyes. He's here to celebrate your birthday, Madam." Jack approached, bowing respectfully, presenting a wooden box. "Madam, this is genuine millennium ginseng to ensure your good health."

The Kennedy family wasn't lacking in treasures, but millennium ginseng was a rarity, so Grandma accepted it graciously. "That's very thoughtful of you," she said.

Marian quickly stepped forward to take it. "Thank you, Mr. Reyes."

"It's cold and slippery out there, Mr. Reyes. Why don't you come inside and warm up?" Grandma's tone was much kinder to him than it had been to Chase.

"I'm not one for crowds. I just came to wish you a happy birthday. Now that I have, I'd rather not stay," Derek replied politely.

Then he added, "By the way, I didn't see Amanda in the hall. I heard she hasn't returned since the wedding. She's not at the Reyes family home. Is she here with you?"

"Amanda sent a gift, but I haven't seen her. She's probably caught up with something," Grandma said.

Marian added, "Amanda's always thoughtful. She never misses Madam's birthday. She must be on her way. Since you're here, Mr. Reyes, why not stick around for some cake?"

Derek, who seemed ready to leave, paused, then smiled. "In that case, I'd be delighted to stay."