The Sway and Slide of Love by Jean Song

Chapter 5 Sandra had grown up with Hendrix, so she was even more familiar with Freeman Manor than Noelle. As soon as she entered the house, she walked over to the elderly lady while exclaiming, "Grandma Ophelia!" "Oh, it's Sandy!" Hendrix's grandmother, Ophelia Jones, was overjoyed. "Let me take a look at you. Have you lost weight again?"

"Not really. Look! I made some crab cakes for you," Sandra replied.

"You sweet girl! How thoughtful of you," Ophelia praised.

The two of them chatted affectionately, and Ophelia was all smiles. However, the moment Noelle approached, her smile faded significantly.

Noelle acted as if she hadn't noticed anything and respectfully greeted, "Grandma."

Ophelia glanced at her and was about to say something, but Noelle shifted her attention to the top of the stairs and called out, "Mom."

"Madam Freeman," Sandra greeted, straightening up. She had been leaning on Ophelia's shoulder just a moment ago. She became timid the moment she saw the person at the top of the staircase.

"Hello, Sandra." Beatrice Robertson, Hendrix's mother, acknowledged her with a nod. Her attitude was somewhat distant but still polite, making it impossible to fault her.

Then, she turned to Ophelia and greeted, "Mom."

a slight hum, her expression even icier

Beatrice didn't seem to mind. She glanced at the food Sandra had

having indigestion lately. Crab cakes are too oily. They're

slight pause, she instructed their butler, Grant Earle, to take the snacks away, "Take them to the

bother to consult

But no matter how hard

had always maintained a cool, distant demeanor. She treated people with grace and elegance, never extending any hospitality deeper

had been Beatrice who insisted on fulfilling her late husband's wish. She insisted that if Noelle had truly gone missing and could no longer be found, then the

returned to the Swanson family, she was the one who should marry

felt resentful toward Beatrice. But then, she

mind to how Sandra felt. After giving her instructions to Grant, she turned to Noelle

making her way up the

tea room, Beatrice handed Noelle a business card. "I found an old alternative medicine practitioner through some connections. Go see him tomorrow and let him assist you with your

pursed her lips, and she didn't reach for the