Sandy chuckled softly, her voice carrying an understated strength as she shared, "Leukemia, endless dialysis, chemo... I practically lived in the hospital. No friends, so books became my escape. But I''m all better now. My brother donated his bone marrow, literally giving


    me a second chance at life. I owe him everything."


    The way Sandy talked about her battle with such a serious illness, with a light touch and a genuine longing for life, without any bitterness, was truly inspiring.


    In front of Katelyn stood a figure of resilience, optimism, and innocence.


    Katelyn felt a wave of admiration and empathy, saying, "You''ve been through so much, but you''ve made it through. How old are you now?"


    Sandy replied with a shy smile, "Twenty-two."


    "Twenty-two, that''s a great age." Katelyn felt an instant connection and asked, "Got a boyfriend yet?"


    Sandy blushed and shook her head, "No, I was always sick and stuck in the hospital, so I never really got the chance."


    "Never had a boyfriend?" Katelyn was delighted. Such purity and innocence were rare.


    Sandy shook her head again.


    "That''s wonderful." Katelyn''s eyes sparkled with approval, though the thought of Sandy''s connection to Anastasia briefly dampened her spirits.


    Katelyn considered introducing Sandy to Flynn, but worried about upsetting Anastasia and, in turn, Herman. Knowing how much Herman adored Anastasia, she couldn''t take that risk.


    Sensing Katelyn''s hesitation, Sandy warmly invited, "Auntie, you should visit Willowbrook sometime. It''s beautiful, with perfect weather and lots of ces to see. I''d love to show you around." Katelyn smiled, "I might just take you up on that. I visited Willowbrook years ago, and it was lovely. They say Willowbrook produces beauties, and seeing you, I believe it." "Please, just call me Sandy."


    "All right, Sandy it is." Katelyn really liked her.


    Sandy, proactive as ever, linked her arm through Katelyn''s, "Auntie, I''d love to see more of your garden. Would you show me around?"


    "Of course, let''s take a stroll." Katelyn was equally enthusiastic.


    In just a short time, Katelyn and Sandy had grown close, sharingughs and stories. Sandy''s thoughtfulness, grace, and eloquence impressed Katelyn deeply. Sandy, seizing the moment, gleaned insights about Herman and Anastasia from Katelyn, especially Herman''s childhood achievements and major business decisions.


    Sandy also picked up on Katelyn''s subtle discontent with Pattie, particrly regarding the two newborns.


    Once Katelyn started talking, it was hard to stop. She even shared her grievances about a protective charm Salma had gifted, hinting at a sh in parenting philosophies between her and Salma. Sandy filed these details away, skillfully keeping the conversation going.


    Katelyn inadvertently revealed Anastasia''s dislike for Sandy and mentioned how Herman had scolded her over it.


    Katelynmented, "Ana can be a bit too possessive,cks a bit of generosity. My son, well, he listens to his wife more than me."


    Yet, to avoid sounding too critical, Katelyn quickly added, "But Ana''s done a lot for this family. She nearly lost her life having those kids. It wasn''t easy."


    Sandy, with tact surpassing many, never spoke ill of Anastasia. Instead, she highlighted Ana''s struggles, especially theplications during herst childbirth that led to a hysterectomy to save her life.


    Sandy''s artful conversation highlighted Anastasia''s sacrifices without malice, subtly pointing out Pattie''s situation, making Katelyn reconsider her stance, especially whenparing her to her biological grandchildren.


    If Anastasia hadn''t been weakened by Pattie''s birth, perhaps herter deliveries wouldn''t have been so dangerous.