Demi arched an eyebrow upon hearing Derek's and Claire's words. So, Charles' ego was bruised after she'd stumped him with a physics question this morning? That had to be why he had rushed to hire a tutor.
Good. That was exactly the reaction she'd hoped for.
"Please, have a seat." Demi gestured for the Fullers to sit while accepting a tea tray from her grandmother. She placed two cups before her guests.
"Grandma, join us," Demi offered.
"It's alright. I've got chores to do. You can talk." Margaret smiled, gently pulling Timothy away with her.
During previous visits, she'd stay out of concern, but now that she knew these were Charles' parents coming to thank Demi, she didn't want to intrude.
More importantly, Margaret knew her place. As a rural elderly woman with no education, she feared saying something embarrassing that might shame Demi.
Derek and Claire asked about Demi's academic achievements to her skills in martial arts, medicine, and music composition. Demi carefully filtered what to share.
Claire's eyes sparkled with increasing admiration. She said earnestly, "We saw the Pitts outside earlier. I don't know the full story, but if you ever need help, just tell Charles to contact us. We may not be powerful, but we'll make sure you're protected."
"Thank you." Demi nodded sincerely.
When kindness came without strings attached, she saw no reason to refuse.
…
After about half an hour of conversation, Derek and Claire rose to leave.
Demi pretended to search the coffee table drawer before pulling a small vial from her storage space. She held it out to Claire with a smile. "This is a skincare serum I blended myself. You can try it. Let me know if you like the results. I can make more for you."
She'd mixed the formula earlier, intending to give it to her friends—Maria, Wendy, Nigel, Connor, George, Chad, Sam, and the others. Even the men were included. After all, in the entertainment industry, a well-maintained face was just as crucial for them.
The serum combined local herbs with a faint trace of spiritual herbs from her spatial ring. There were differences between the serums for males and females. For example, the men's version had less brightening agent.
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