Chapter 37  Chapter 37  The family had been nudging Grandma to get a move on, and after a quick makeup touch up, she finally let Marian wheel her out  “Amanda should be here by now, let’s not keep her waiting, Grandma said, sounding eager  Marian, ever the jokester chimed in, “Grandma, you’ve only got Amanda on your mind today. There are quite a few big shots here  know”  With a proud twinkle in her eye, Grandma replied, “None of them matter as much as my granddaughter Speaking of which, did you ge those share transfer documents ready?”  “All set for tomorrow, ma’am Transferring all your shares to Amanda might cause a bit of a stir with the family, though”  Grandma huffed, “If they don’t show Amanda love, why shouldn’t 17 Once she’s married, she’s nobody to those poeple. What business would it be of theirs if I gave her my shares? And did you see those fools today, completely outmaneuvered by Nicole? Amanda  et anything if I don’t act now”  “Amanda’s lucky to have such a caring grandma, Marion remarked.  As I listened to them, a mix of warmth and sadness washed over me. Grandma’s incredible, but I could no longer bask in her kindness  Marian was taking a shortcut to the banquet hall when I caught the sound of a deep, cold voice. “Still no sign of her? How can someone just vanish?”  “Mr. Derek, we’ve looked everywhere. Unless…” The words trailed off as the speaker noticed Grandma and fell silent.  I found it curious. What was Derek searching for? Surely not me. We barely knew each other. If Chase ignored me, why would Derek be on a wild hunt for me? It must’ve been my imagination.  Snowflakes fell thick, like a net under the streetlights, as Derek stood there in a sleek black suit, his hair dusted with snow. His : eyes, usually so cold, softened slightly upon seeing Grandma. He gave a polite nod. “Madam,”  Grandma scrutinized him for a moment, a hint of doubt in her voice. “You’re from the Reyes family, aren’t you?”  “This is Mr. Derek Reyes. He’s here to celebrate your birthday, Madam Jack approached with a respectful bow, presenting a wooden box. “Madam, this is genuine millennium ginseng to keep you in good health.”  The Kennedy family wasn’t lacking in treasures, but millennium ginseng was a rarity, so Grandma accepted it graciously.  “That’s very thoughtful of you.”  Marian stepped up quickly to take it. “Thank you, Mr. Reyes.”  “It’s cold and slippery out there, Mr. Reyes. Why don’t you come inside and warm up?” Grandma’s tone with him was much kinder than it was with Chase.  “I’m not one for crowds. I just came to wish you a happy birthday. Now that I have, I’d rather not stay,” Derek replied politely.  Then he added, “By the way, I didn’t see Amanda in the hall. I heard she hasn’t returned ever since the wedding. She’s not at the Reyes family home. Is she here with you?”  “Amanda sent a gift, but I haven’t seen her. She’s probably caught up with something Grandma said.  Marian added, “Amanda’s always thoughtful. She never misses Madam’s birthday. She must be on her way. Since you’re here, Mr. Reyes, why not stick around for some cake?”  Derek, who seemed ready to leave, paused, then he smiled. “In that case, I’d be delighted to stay.”