Chapter 33

“Latham, I’m not planning to invest in Apex right now. If something comes up in the future, we’ll get in touch p>

Dane shut down Latham’s persistence with a calm but final tone.

Latham felt disappointed, but he kept his smile. “Of course. I hope one day Vertex International and Apex will have the chance to work together p>

Once Latham’s family and Wade had gone, Dane turned to Pandora. “So, what are you in the mood for? You pick p>

Pandora smiled. “There’s this restaurant on Serenity Lane, over in the old east side of town. It’s been around forever. My dad used to take me there all the time when I was a kid p>

“They have this amazing lamb stew. It’s so fresh and rich. One bowl and you feel warm all over p>

Dane didn’t really care much about food, but he was happy to make Pandora happy. So, off they went to Serenity Lane.

On the way, Pandora asked, “Shouldn’t we pick up your grandfather too?” Dane shook his head. “His health isn’t good enough for outings like this.” Pandora frowned, a little worried. That sounded pretty serious.

Claire, meanwhile, was taking in the neighborhood. The eastern district was the oldest part of the city and not somewhere she came often. The streets were lined with old houses, each with its own character. This whole area used to be home to the city’s most influential families.

Pandora hadn’t been here in years and was surprised by how much Serenity Lane had changed. Still, she let her memory guide her, and eventually they reached Hearth & Kettle.

Hearth & Kettle looked just like she remembered. It was a traditional courtyard house, hidden away at the very end of the lane. Two stone qilins stood proudly at the entrance.

A middle-aged man came out with a warm smile. “Do you have a reservation p>

“No, we don’t.” Claire looked around, thinking the place felt more like someone’s home than a restaurant.

The man hesitated. “I’m sorry, but we’re fully booked for today p>

Pandora stepped forward. “My last name is James.” She pulled a jade pendant from her purse. “Please show this to your boss. She’ll know what it means p>

The pendant was carved with a crabapple blossom, delicate and beautiful.

The man’s eyes widened as he took it in. “Of course. Please wait in the pavilion for a moment p>

The pavilion was cozy, with curtains drawn for privacy and a stove burning to keep the chill away.

The man hurried inside to find the owner. “Jennifer, there’s a guest named Pandora here. She said you’d understand when you saw this

pendant. There are four of them, but they don’t have a reservation p>

Jennifer was lounging in her chair, wrapped in a thick cape over her elegant dress, looking every bit like an old-fashioned heiress. A plump ginger cat was curled up contentedly in her lap.

When she caught sight of the pendant, Jennifer sat up straight. “Her last name is James? Where are they? Bring them in right away p>

She changed her mind as soon as she said it. “No, I’ll go see them myself.” Jennifer swept out to the pavilion and found Pandora and her friends waiting. The manager followed, eager to make introductions. “Ma’am, this is Pandora p>

Jennifer looked Pandora up and down. “So, you’re Pandora? Daniel’s daughter?” Pandora studied Jennifer too, spotting a bit of Daniel in the curve of her cheeks.

“Pandora, welcome. I’m Jennifer, Daniel’s youngest daughter. Why didn’t you let me know you were Corning? I would’ve had all your favorite dishes waiting for you p>