Grandma Hawthorne chuckled softly as she accepted the gift. "Youre such a thoughtful girl."

"Open it, Grandma! Please?" Zoe coaxed, her tone brimming with playful insistence.

With a resigned smile, Grandma Hawthorne began unwrapping the package. Nestled in the box was an exquisite white jade Guanyin statuette, its surface smooth and lustrous, radiating a serene purity.

Margaret, the second daughter-in-law, immediately showered it with praise. "Mother, ...