Chapter 98

Chrystal, Jennifer’s older sister, came out to welcome them with a bright smile.

“Pandora, I’ve heard so much about you, but seeing you in person… you’re even younger and more stunning than I imagined. So elegant, too.” She laughed. “It’s true what they say, real beauty never fades with time p>

Chrystal knew exactly what to say, effortlessly complimenting Pandora before turning to Claire. “And this sweet girl must be your granddaughter, Claire p>

Claire flashed her a smile and greeted her.

Pandora grinned. “Jennifer got your father’s cooking skills, and you, Chrystal, definitely got his way with words p>

Both sisters lit up at the praise, soaking it in.

Claire watched the exchange and couldn’t help but think that women cheering each other on was so much better than competing for attention.

Inside the house, Chrystal led everyone to the dining room. “My husband’s away for work, and my son’s off at school, so it’s just me and my dad here. Pandora, please, sit at the head of the table p>

Jennifer had already gone to bring Daniel out from his room.

Pandora remembered Daniel as a chubby man, but the person in front of her now looked so different. His cheeks were sunken, and he seemed to have aged more than ten years.

As soon as Daniel saw Pandora, his eyes filled with tears. “Pandora… I thought you would never leave The James Village. Did you finally come because you heard I’m dying p>

Pandora didn’t answer. She just stared at Daniel, struggling to match this frail man with the one she remembered.

Claire noticed her grandmother’s eyes growing wet too. In all the years she’d known her, Pandora had always been composed and graceful. She’d never seen her lose her cool, until now.

Daniel’s voice trembled. “Pandora, you’re still not speaking. Are you still mad at me? Is it because I made Agassi lose his father p>

Years ago, Pandora and her

husband had disagreed. Daniel had advised Jackson to leave for a while, thinking it would give Pandora time to coopoff. He’d also hoped Jackson could use the time away to start a business and prove himself No one expected that Jackson would never return. Pandora and her husband never saw each other again.

The guilt had kept Daniel from seeing Pandora all these years.

het

Pandora shook her head. “What’s done is done. Let’s leave the past where it is.” Her voice was soft” It’s not just him who’s gone now.. my** son and daughter-in-law, too p>

She caught herself, realizing she’d said too much, and quickly changed the subject.

“No more sad talk. We’re here for a reunion, so let’s eat and enjoy ourselves p>

Daniel nodded, letting the matter drop.

Chrystal smiled. “Pandora, my cooking isn’t as good as Jennifer’s, and nowhere near my father’s. If it’s not to your taste, don’t hold it against me p>

Pandora laughed. “I’ve tried just about everything over the years. I’m not nearly as picky as your father always claimed p>

Chrystal’s smile faltered for a split second, then she laughed again. “So you noticed p>

“Who else but him would remember every little thing I like?” Pandora joked.

Daniel jumped in. “Jackson did. He remembered your preferences even better than I did. Look at me, bringing him up again p>

Realizing he’d slipped, Daniel turned to Jennifer. “Jennifer, pour me a drink. I need to punish myself with a glass p>

Jennifer glanced at Chrystal. “Don’t even think about it. He’s just looking

for a se to sneak a drink.

Fel

ve

know Pandora wouldn’t want you

drinking with

with your health.

Daniel grumbled, “Why are you always such a pain p>