章 10: Pearl Grant

Ann graciously greeted everyone as she made her way through the gathering, exchanging smiles and handshakes.

When she was introduced to Grandma Hanada, a radiant expression lit up the older woman's face.

The joy in her eyes was unmistakable as she clasped Ann's hand lovingly.

"Oh, my dear, you are even more stunning in person. The camera simply cannot capture your true beauty. I have watched all your movies and dramas, thanks to my granddaughter-in-law Ashley, who is your number one fan. Your performances have brought me so much joy,"

Grandma Hanada exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

"Thank you!" Ann shyly replied with a sweet smile plastered on her beautiful face.

Just then, Grandma Hanada saw Ava, and her eyes twinkled.

"This must be your daughter Ava, the one that..." Unfortunately, she didn't get to finish what she was about to say because Tanaga intervened.

"Ann! How have you been? I heard you accepted the collaboration between THJ Entertainment and World Group. Can I have a word with you before you take off?"

It was only an excuse that Tanaga needed to speak with Ann. Grandmother Hanada almost let the cat out of the bag. Luckily, he was swift enough to prevent her from spilling the beans.

Ann was momentarily stunned that Tanaga wanted to speak to her. She looked in Ashley's direction and confirmed if it was all right for her to talk to Tanaga.

Ashley winked at her secretly, and she understood.

"Sure! I could spare a moment." She then let go of Grandma Hanada's hands and followed Tanaga. Ashley followed right behind them to join them in their conversation.

"That was close," said Ashley as they sat down on one of the sofas further away from everyone.

Ann was at a loss for words. She had no idea what was going on. She looked between Ashley and Tanaga, curiosity showing on her face.

"I'm sorry! My grandmother was about to mention the marriage arrangement, and we know how Ava feels about it. Also, Akira has no idea, and we don't want her to know either. We promised to discuss it when the time comes, and this is not the time."

Tanaga explained to Ann while looking in the children's direction, ensuring they didn't hear their conversation.

Ann finally understood what was going on, and her lips slightly curved.

"It's no big deal, but we also don't discuss it at home. Jeff said to let Ava grow up normally and not have to worry about the marriage arrangement until the time comes. I'm sure when she meets her husband, she will fall in love with him."

Ann looked around, trying to find James, but he was nowhere in sight.

"Where is he, by the way?" She asked when she couldn't find James anywhere.

Ashley and Tanaga both looked around and couldn't see James.

"Let me call him and find out where he's at. I wanted to see their reaction when they met," said Ashley, unaware that James was no longer Ava's intended.

Tanaga never divulged to her that he agreed with James that Ashton would be the one to marry Ava when the time came.

***

Just as Ashley was about to dial James' number, a text message came in from James.

[Mother, take care and have a safe flight. Tell Akira I will miss her and try to visit her when I have time. Unfortunately, I had a headache and decided to go home ahead. I love you!]

[It's okay. I will be back in a few days anyway. I will give your message to your sister. I love you too!] She then hit the send button.

Ashley showed Tanaga the message while glaring at him. "It's your fault, you know that!" her eyes said. She then typed a message back to her son.

Tanaga raised his hands before preparing to get up.

When Ann saw, she also got up while Ashley followed suit.

Soon, the final goodbyes were said, and the two pairs of mother and daughter walked toward the gate to board the bullet jet that would take them to the Kingdom of Stonasia.

On the way home, inside the car, Tanaga and James weren't speaking with each other. James had his eyes closed while both of his ears had earbuds on. He listened to nothing; he didn't feel like speaking to his father.

Tanaga remained quiet while busy looking at the financial reports on his laptop. He wanted to tell James something about Ava but changed his mind and let the future decide.

***

When the girls arrived at the palace, Queen Alexa had overseen the preparation of an opulent banquet featuring a sumptuous array of fine delicacies.

In addition to the girls, she extended invitations to the esteemed headmistress and several faculty members of the prestigious Royal Academy, where the two girls were to begin their studies.

Her aim was to formally introduce the girls and convey to the Royal Academy's faculty that she was personally sponsoring and supporting their education.

Ann and Ava had been to the palace many times, so they were used to the way of life there.

However, it was Ashley and Akira's first visit, and they were overwhelmed when they saw how extravagant and huge the whole place was.

When they arrived, Queen Alexa's assistant was already waiting for them at the palace's front door.

"Welcome! The King and the Queen await you in the east wing." She then curtsied as a welcoming gesture.

Ann nodded, and Ashley followed. Ava and Akira held hands as they stood, waiting for the assistant to direct them to where the east wing was.

"Please, follow me!" Said the assistant while making way for the four to enter.

Just as they were about to walk inside the palace, another car came bearing a flag at the four corners of the vehicle. It was the United States of America flag, and everyone stopped and turned around to look.

The car's driver emerged from the vehicle and promptly opened the door, allowing the passengers to disembark.

President Daniel Grant was the initial person to alight from the car, closely followed by his wife, Andrea Grant.

Bringing up the rear was a young 13-year-old named Pearl Grant, who was enrolling at Royal Academy alongside her companions, Ava and Akira...~~