"By the way, what did Grandfather say?" Pearl asked.
Blake hesitated for a moment. "He was chatting with others in the hall when he heard the news. He fainted but is awake now. However, he's refusing
to see anyone. Seems like he's in a bad mood. You can see him if you want, though. | think he only wants to see you right now."
Did Ezra really want to see Pearl?
Pearl was doubtful. "He's never been fond of me. You know that."
"That's what he shows on the surface, but who knows? He's a bit... complicated. He's got his quirks. Despite tricking you a few times, he never meant
you harm. What do you think?"
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Pearl looked down, feeling a lack of connection with her mother's family except for Blake. While she sensed a bit of warmth from him, she didn't care
much about the others, especially Ezra, who had always forced her.
"Well, I'll go see him anyway," she decided, more out of curiosity than any real expectation of a warm reception. She wanted to encourage him to
move past his sorrow and learn more about her mother.
Blake smiled. "Okay, lettake you there."
As they made their way through the Jordan Residence, people seemed to avoid eye contact with Pearl, a reaction that struck her as both odd and
amusing.
"What's up with them? Why are they so jumpy around me?" Pearl found their reactions curious.
Blake's expression mirrored her confusion, but he chose to let Pearl ignore it.
Pearl nodded, lost in thought, until she overheard swhispers behind a rockery.
"Do you think Miss Pearl brings bad luck? Why does trouble follow all her family members?"
"Yeah, think about it. Her dad died, then her mom, and now Ezra's sick because of her. Ugh... who's next?"
"Bah, cut the crap! If others hear you, they'll make you regret it!"
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Pearl stopped in her tracks, eavesdropping on the conversation intently.
Blake noticed her pause and the conversation behind the rockery. He worried she might overthink too much.
"Let's not dwell on that. Those people are just spreading gossip. I'll have them chased away." He'd even consider more drastic measures if they
continued to gossip behind her back.
"No, it's okay. They might have a point," Pearl said, surprisingly calm.
"Huh? A point?" Blake was incredulous. "Are you serious? Are you really taking their nonsense seriously?"
"No, I'm not taking it seriously. | just find it logical. Maybe | bring bad luck to people. Blake, you should watch out too. Don't catch bad luck."
Blake sighed helplessly. It seemed he'd fallen into her trap. He'd tried so hard to comfort her and stand up for her, only to find she was fine all along.
However... her calmness left him feeling even worse. How many hardships had Pearl endured to becthis resilient?