Chapter 204

So, it was just a little meet-and-greet to make Hannah happy. And who knows? Maybe the girl would be beautiful and sweet, just his type. A win-win!
After ending the call, Shanley turned from the balcony. “Where is my grandma?”
“Sir, she heard the gifted doctor arrived and went to greet her personally,” Flint replied respectfully.
“Personally?” A small smile touched Shanley’s lips. “It seems my grandma is quite taken with her.”
“Sir, are you still planning to go down?” Flint asked carefully. Shanley was supposed to be with his grandmother, meeting guests around this time.
“Let her be for now,” Shanley said, tugging at his tie, his thoughts drifting to Juniper. “I’ll be in the lounge.”
Showing up now while Hannah was occupied with her new favorite might just cause trouble. Better to let her have her fun first.
With that, he turned and headed toward the guest wing. Just as the lounge door clicked shut, a maid led Juniper past the entrance. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of a familiar back turning a corner down the hall.
Juniper paused.
“Is something wrong, miss?” the maid asked, stopping with her.
“No, it’s nothing.” Juniper shook her head, disappointed. It must have been her imagination. What would Shanley be doing here?
Meanwhile, in the grand hall, an elegant elderly woman in a classic violet dress waited anxiously by the door.
“My dear, you’re finally here!” she exclaimed upon seeing Juniper. She rushed forward, taking Juniper’s hand with a warm, affectionate grip. “You must be tired. Come, sit down and rest.”
She then ordered the maids, “Bring the refreshments I prepared.”
“I’m not tired at all, Madam. Thank you for your concern,” Juniper said with a polite smile.
The old woman, Hannah, led Juniper to a sofa, her eyes twinkling with adoration. “You’re about the same age as my grandsons. Why don’t you call me Grandma, just like they do?”
She was confident that even if that
blockhead Shanley wasn’t
interested, Kurt would surely be charmed. Besides, Kurt had a much
better personality than Shanley; he’d be a perfect match for this girl.
“That wouldn’t be appropriate,” Juniper replied, her cheeks flushing slightly as she set down her
backpack. She’d noticed the scale of the party on her way in the guest list was a who’s who of Eclara City. This elderly woman’s status was clearly immense, and it wasn’t a connection to be made lightly.
“Nonsense!” Hannah insisted, patting her hand. “I’ve taken a real liking to you, dear.”
Beautiful, well-mannered, and a healer to boot. She was a world apart from those socialites who only cared about designer bags and jewelry.
“You’re too kind,” Juniper said, still feeling it was improper. She opened her backpack and took out two boxes to change the subject. “This is for your husband. Another month of this medicine, and he should be fully recovered.”
She opened the second box, revealing a stunning gemstone necklace. “And this is a gift for you. I wish you a long, happy, and healthy life.”
“A necklace Hannah lifted the piece, her eyes widening in recognition and delight. “Oh my, this is a J-Five, isn’t it? Heavens, how did you know she’s my absolute favorite designer?”
Juniper froze for a second, genuinely surprised. This sweet old lady was also a J- Five fan? What a coincidence.