James thought for a couple of seconds before handing the box to Mirabe. But just before it reached her hands, he added a condition, "You can have it, but no returns."


    Mirabe nced at him, curiosity and resignation mixed in her eyes. "Alright."


    Only then did James ce the box gently in her palm.


    "Goodnight," Mirabe said as she walked away with the box.


    James watched her leave, shaking his head slightly.


    Back in her room, Mirabe closed the door, sat on her bed, and opened the box with a blend of anticipation and caution. Inside was a small, simple white jade pendant, shaped somewhat like a fish but not quite.


    She examined it closely, noting that the jade''s quality wasn''t anything special— certainly not a priceless antique. Soon enough, she put the pendant back in the box, closed the lid, and thought about a phone conversation she''d overheard Catherine having earlier. After a moment''s consideration, she tucked the box into her suitcase.


    Over the next couple of days, Mirabe put aside her alchemy projects to spend time with Catherine. Catherine had half-expected a phone call full of questions about the pendant and perhaps a hurried visit, but seeing her daughter stay put eased her worries slightly.


    At heart, Catherine dreaded the thought of Mirabe leaving too soon, unsure when they''d meet again.


    Mirabe had initially nned to book a flight back to Ashford the day after next, but sensing Catherine''s mncholy, she postponed her departure by a day.


    On the day of her departure, Catherine woke up at the crack of dawn and quietly entered Mirabe''s room. She handed her a folded note. "Honey, this is some of the savings I''ve managed over the years, including the money you gave me." Half-awake, Mirabe didn''t bother counting the cash and tried to give it back. "I''m alright for money."


    Catherine''s face fell. "It''s a gesture, dear. Are you saying it''s not enough?"


    Mirabe rubbed her temples, feeling a headacheing on.


    "With just my pension, it''s all I can offer..." Catherine murmured, more to herself than to Mirabe.


    Sighing, Mirabe took the note back. "Okay, I''ll keep it."


    That seemed to brighten Catherine''s mood. "That''s my girl."


    After a bit more chit-chat, Catherine headed downstairs to prepare breakfast.


    Now wide awake, Mirabe got ready, packed her bags, and took a moment to look at the savings book-the total read $35,000. Comparing it to her own dwindling finances, she couldn''t help but feel a bit defeated. Even Catherine seemed better off financially.


    *


    Their flight was scheduled for noon, so after a hearty breakfast at Catherine''s, they were ready to leave.


    As, ying his part as the rental car driver perfectly, picked them up. On the way to the airport, Mirabe struck up a conversation with him, pleasantly surprised by his easy-going nature.


    As, feeling a bit smug about making a good impression, reported back to Grady, the estate manager, highlighting how approachable Mirabe was. Grady, however, seemed unimpressed over the phone and casually mentioned, "There''s


    a project in Y Province that needs oversight. Stay there for now."


    Elm Creek, where Catherine lived, fell under Y Province''s jurisdiction.


    As, who had his return to Ashford already nned for the afternoon, was baffled. "What did I do wrong?"