Chapter 66

My mother arrived, seemingly attempting to curry favor, carrying a gift box resembling a small chest. What kind of gift arrives at this hour?

“I know you’ve been feeling down lately, and I’ve heard you’ve lost your appetite. That’s concerning. Nicole was thoughtful; she acquired two sets of porcelain dinnerware at an auction.”

“Take it away, I don’t need it,” Grandma’s voice was sharp. “I don’t want anything from her.”

“How about you take a peek first?”

Without waiting for a reply, my mother produced the dinnerware. It was a stunning porcelain set, white with delicate, understated patterns. Instead of floral or animal designs, however, the dishes bore script inscriptions.

“What’s this about?”

“This is a special collaboration between two renowned masters.”

“Collaboration?” Grandma’s eyes narrowed skeptically.

“Yes, a master potter crafted the pottery, and a famous priest inscribed it. This set is said to possess spiritual essence.” Grandma’s expression softened at the mention of spirituality. “Really?”

“Absolutely. Nicole knew how much spirituality means to you; she made a considerable effort to win this set at auction. It was highly sought after, and she paid a hefty price. Eating from these dishes will surely bless you with longevity and health.”

“Alright, then leave it here.”

In her later years, Grandma had become almost obsessively devoted to spirituality. I understood why. The more power and influence one possesses, the greater the fear of death. She had always enjoyed a comfortable life, a loving family, and abundant luxury. But after Grandpa’s passing, she confronted death intimately, leaving a lasting impression.

Science and medicine could only alleviate her pain so much; she turned to spirituality, hoping to extend her life.

Grandma glanced at my mother. “Aren’t you leaving?”

My mother hesitated. “Actually, Mom, I came to bring you the dinnerware and discuss something else. Amanda is married now, part of the Reyes family. She and Chase grew up together, close as could be. The Reyes family is well-off, so I don’t worry about her. But Nicole…”

She sighed deeply. “Since Dad passed, the Kennedy family hasn’t been the same. Our fortunes have declined. If this continues, I fear Nicole won’t find a suitable match. I know you’ve always intended to leave your shares to Amanda.”

By now, both Grandma and I knew where this was headed. Grandma’s expression grew serious. “If you’re here for my shares, you can forget it. I’d rather donate them to charity than give them to Nicole!”

“Mom, how can you be so unfair? Amanda is your granddaughter, but isn’t Nicole your granddaughter too? Amanda’s actions caused Nicole hardship for years. Is your heart made of stone? I’m not asking for favoritism, just fairness.”

I thought I’d moved on from my failed relationship with Chase, believing seeing him with Nicole wouldn’t affect me. But now I realized that pales in comparison to family discord.

Grandma defended me. “You call me biased, but haven’t you been the same? In the past, a few words from Nicole would have you all accusing Amanda. Can anyone prove Amanda caused Nicole hardship? Did you see it with your own eyes?”