Chapter 508
“So whose money was she spending then p>
“Looks like all the rumors are pure nonsense,” the boy’s mom said, eyeing Pandora, then giving the young couple near her a quick look. “Her real parents can’t possibly be that young. And doesn’t that mom look like she’s mixed p>
The boy just rolled his eyes. “There’s no way those are her parents. That guy’s probably her uncle or something. As for the woman, I have no clue who she is. I heard Claire’s real parents passed away years ago p>
While the boy’s family whispered back and forth, pretty much every other group of parents was having the exact same conversation. But honestly, most people were more interested in talking about how stunning those vintage dresses looked. Plenty of them snapped pictures and sent them online no doubt, those photos would go viral in no time.
Edison couldn’t stick around all morning, so he left Jenny to wait with Pandora. Still, they couldn’t just stand around forever. The two of them decided to check out the supermarket and the mall, figuring they’d wander around until lunchtime before heading back to pick up Claire.
Before they could even leave, though, Latham and Octavia showed up to drop off Cindy. Latham hadn’t actually wanted to come—he had work—but Octavia didn’t give him much of a choice, and even Lance encouraged him. It’d turned into a family thing, and it would have felt weird to hold out any longer.
But the minute they arrived and saw everyone gathering around Pandora, Octavia’s face completely fell. What was Pandora doing here?
To make things even more awkward, Cindy and Latham spotted Pandora right away and hurried over.
“Grandma,” Cindy greeted her quietly.
Latham nodded. “Pandora, you’re here to drop off Claire? The sun’s pretty harsh out here. Why don’t we grab a coffee somewhere and wait together p>
“There’s no need. Jenny and I already have plans to go shopping.” Pandora didn’t so much as hesitate.
Latham’s gaze shifted to Jenny, curiosity lighting up his face. She was gorgeous, and clearly foreign.
“This is Edison’s girlfriend, Jenny,” Pandora introduced her, her tone casual and direct.
Latham instantly grew a bit more respectful. “Nice to meet you, Jenny p>
Jenny gave him a polite nod and didn’t say much else. She wasn’t clueless-she could sense that her aunt really didn’t care for this family crowding over to say hello.
Pandora turned her attention to Cindy. “Cindy, don’t get nervous. Just take a deep breath and do your best. I hope you get great results p>
Cindy’s nose tingled, her throat a little tight. “Thank you, Grandma p>
She couldn’t help staring. She’d never seen Pandora look this beautiful before. Out in the countryside, her grandmother always dressed so simply that Cindy had honestly thought it had to tough, raising a kid all on her own. Who would have imagined her grandma could look so glamorous?
She remembered her mom whispering earlier that Pandora’s jewelry definitely didn’t come cheap. There was no way Claire would have bought that. Which could only mean that Pandora actually had some serious savings stashed away.
But back in the countryside, Pandora had never shown even a hint of that. It just made Cindy think, maybe her grandmother had never really liked her from the start. Why else did the Agarwood pillow, the brearth & Kettle house, and all that jewelry never end up with her?
The more Cindy thought about it, the sadder she felt as she walked into the exam hall.
Pandora, watching, shook her head. She’d always known that Cindy was a bit small-minded. She’d tried her best all these years, hoping to teach the gi better, but some things ust can’t be changed. If you weren’t truly family all the lessons in the world couldn’t someone’s nature.
chang
She’d given up on her a long time ago.
“We’re heading out,” Pandora said, making sure Latham noticed.
With nothing left to do, Latham just stood there and watched them leave.