bChapter /b354

But now wasn’t the time to close the.

“Vera, while I’m away, try not to deal with her alone. If anythinges up, you can go to Gentry or Noreen.”

Vera nodded. “I understand.”

Charlotte headed back to her room, just about to open the door when a message popped up from Judd: *First time in the Capital and you’re not even going to show me around?*

Charlotte paused, nearly forgetting he was in the Capital too.

*Let me change. Wait for me.*

*Alright.*

Genevieve stepped out of the mall, swinging a designer bag by its handles. She strolled up to a cherry–red convertible and answered her phone. “Mom, I know, I’ll make nice with Miss Rayburn in the next couple of days, don’t worry-”

She nced sideways–and from across the parking lot, spotted a familiar figure. “Charlotte?”

Before her mother could say another word, Genevieve hung up.

The man beside Charlotte wasn’t Wesley or Jonathan, but someone Genevieve didn’t recognize. The image of her brother still lying in critical care shed through her mind, and her irritation spiked. She tossed her bag onto the passenger seat, mmed the car door, and hurried after Charlotte and herpanion.

Surrounded by the Capital’s high–rises and trendy boutiques, Judd grinned. “You knowi, /iRiverspire has malls too. You didn’t bring me all the way here just to see these, did you?”

“You don’t get it,” Charlotte said, halfughing. “This is just a shortcut.

b13.05 /b

There’s a great little market about a mile from here–antiques,

secondhand treasures, and even a cozy little yhouse where you can have tea and y chess. Thought you might want a taste of the real Capital.”

Judd couldn’t help but smile at her earnestness. “So, chess, huh? You y?”

Charlotte hesitated, then nodded. “I’ve learned.”

“Well, then, I’d love to see your skills.”

They made their way to the market. Unlike the shy, crowded shopping district, this ce was alive with the easy bustle of locals and the simple pleasures of daily life.

Charlotte led the way. “So, Professor Carstairs, do you feel the difference between here and Riverspire?”

Judd’s lips curled in a quiet smile. “Absolutely.”

“You mentioned your granddad likes antique beads. Let me pick something out for him.”

She slipped into an old curio shop, and Judd followed. Charlotte browsed for ages but couldn’t seem to find the right gift. Finally, she turned to

Judd. “What kind of things does your grandfather like?”

“You don’t even know your teacher’s preferences?”

She faltered, “I just… didn’t want to get the wrong thing and disappoint

him.”

“He wouldn’t be,” Judd replied, turning to her. “If it’s from you, he’d be happy.”

Charlotte paused, taken aback.

The shopkeeper wandered over with a cheerful grin. “Picking out a gift for your folks, lovebirds?”

Lovebirds…

13.05

Charlotte snapped back to herself and quickly rified, i“/iOh, we’re not-b” /b

“Is this real sandalwood?” Judd asked, pointing to a string of dark

wooden beads in the disy case.

“You’ve got a good eye!” The shopkeeper fished out the beads and handed them to him. “Feel free to take a closer look.”

Judd rolled the beads between his fingers. “Not bad. A little young, not as much oil as I’d like, but still above average.”

The shopkeeper sighed. “Sandalwood’s slow to mature. It’s tough to find the old stuff.” He leaned in conspiratorially. “But for someone who knows what he’s looking at, I’ll give you a deal. Consider it a favor.”

Judd nodded for Charlotte to ept them.

Charlotte took the beads, watching as Judd reached for his wallet. She stopped him. “I’m the one buying. You can’t pay for it.”

“Let’s just say this one’s on me.”

She had noeback for that.

They had barely stepped out of the shop when Genevieve appeared out of nowhere, blocking their path.

bChapter /b355