Chapter 9
In just one day, Cindy had completely transformed. Her outfit probably cost more
than most people’s yearly salary, and she wore a Tiffany necklace with a matching bracelet. Even her hair clip was decorated with pearls, making her look every bit the part of a wealthy heiress.
Meanwhile, Claire was a world away from her former glamorous self. Gone were the sparkling jewels and designer dresses. All she had now was the jade Buddha pendant Patti gave her. Her hair was pulled back with a simple wooden hairpin— Pandora had styled it for her and her clothes looked like something out of a different era.
“Mom, this is where I grew up,” Claire said.
“Jim said Grandma’s in the ancestral hall. Let’s go,” Claire added.
“Alright,” Octavia replied, but her eyes flashed with disdain. She couldn’t help thinking that the poorer people were, the more superstitious they seemed. Who still kept ancestral halls these days? And what was the occasion? Were they really holding some weird ritual just because Claire had come home?
As they walked up, Pandora just watched them with a cold expression, making no move to greet anyone.
Cindy spotted Pandora inside right away, and next to her was Claire, looking so natural at her grandmother’s side. Seeing that, Cindy felt a wave of jealousy.
She was about to step inside. “Grandma, I’m back p>
But before she could enter, Pearce stopped her. “Cindy, you’re no longer part of the James family. You can’t go in p>
Cindy’s face went pale. “Pearce, even if I’ve gone back to my birth family, I’ll always be Grandma’s granddaughter in my heart. I’ll still be good to her, always p>
She said it loudly, wanting the whole village to hear, and she definitely wanted Claire to hear too.
Octavia’s heart ached for her daughter. These people wouldn’t even let her own child into the ancestral hall. How could they be so heartless? And after all that, her daughter was still worried about that old woman.
“Rules are rules. Outsiders can’t enter the James family’s ancestral hall,” Pearce said, his voice cold as ever.
Cindy turned to Pandora. “Grandma, do you not want me anymore p>
Claire almost wanted to cross her arms and enjoy the drama. Wasn’t Cindy the one who ran off to find her real family? Now she was accusing her grandmother of turning her away.
Pandora’s tone stayed calm. “It’s not that I don’t want you
You and Claire
re switched at births Now you’re
were
both back with your own families.
Isn’t that how it should be p>
Cindy’s eyes filled with tears. “It’s not like that. I just… I never had a mom or dad. Everyone else does, and I wanted that too p>
Before she could finish, Pandora cut her off. “And now you have them p>
“Cindy, you should learn to appreciate what you have,” Pandora said, her voice serious.
Cindy looked hurt. “That’s not it, Grandma. I just wanted more family, not less p>
Octavia saw her daughter crying and felt nothing but anger. To her, Pandora was just being cruel.
“Cindy, don’t cry. You’re my precious
girl. I won’t let anyone treat you badly. If they won’t accept you, don’t bother with them. You’re the pride of the James, family and not just anyone deserves to be your grandmother p>
The contempt in Octavia’s voice was obvious. The villagers glared at her, but
Pandora just shrugged it off.
“The lady’s right. I’m not Cindy’s grandmother,” Pandora replied calmly. “Just like you’re not fit to be my granddaughter’s mother p>
Claire had to fight the urge to clap. That was perfect.