Chapter 705

Katalina gently stroked Jane's head, her voice warm and tender. "Jane, I've missed you too. But seeing how loved you are by so many family and friends now, my heart is at ease." "Katalina, let me show you around my home!" Jane chirped, flitting about like a joyful butterfly as she led Katalina through the sprawling estate. She pointed out every nook and cranny with meticulous pride, her tiny hands tugging insistently at the older woman's sleeve. When the grand tour concluded, Jane guided Katalina to a lakeside pavilion. They settled onto the carved wooden benches, where dappled sunlight danced across the water's surface. The child fixed her luminous, grape-like eyes on Katalina with startling intensity. "You didn't just come for my birthday today, did you? There's something else." Katalina's hands, previously resting calmly on her lap, began fidgeting nervously. The worn fabric of her skirt wrinkled beneath her twisting fingers. "You were always the clever one," she admitted with a sha