Page 11 of Regal Rising

Regis groaned and reached for another dumpling. “Where did you learn to make these?”

“I hung out in a fog bank in Chinatown on the coast. Lots of nice restaurants there.” She smiled and kept chopping. “Have as many as you like. I made more. Freezer is full.”

Regis smirked. “Shop was slow today?”

“No, my assistant is amazeballs. She had it all under control, so I played hooky and made dinner.”

“You can’t rely on her forever.”

Ira nodded as she got her homework out. “Just like Mom couldn’t keep you working for her forever, so you had to go and open your clothing shop.”

Pandora chuckled. “Exactly like that.”

Regis sighed. “Do you know when Rex is coming home?”

“She’s in on a planning meeting for a new movie. She will give us details when she gets back.” Pandora smiled.

“Why are you cooking up a storm?”

“Well, first, it is nice to make a good impression, but mainly, it is because one of the ladies has been injured and is homeless, so I want to give her a nice boost for her biology.”

Regis paused. “Homeless?”

“Yes. She’s been hiding from the Elite for a while, so she has no place to live, and she said she loves Chinese food, so I am doing my best.” Pandora smiled. “Can she stay here?”

Regis blinked. “I will have to meet her. I don’t just let anyone into proximity with Ira.”

“I know. I want you to meet her so you can tell.” Pandora nodded. “But I watched her, and she will be helpful.”

Regis asked, “You didn’t help her?”

“She didn’t ask for help. Oh, and she’s wounded. She needs medical assistance.”

Regis paused. “Pandora, where is she?”

“In my room. She’s getting a bath, some rest, and changing clothes.” Pandora smiled. “I guessed that you wouldn’t mind. I am vouching for her behaviour.”

Regis looked toward the wing that housed Pandora. “You sure?”

“Yup. I have a gas cloud on standby.” She smiled brightly and kept chopping. “The ladies will be here in two hours. Ira, if you want to sit in, you will be done with your homework.”

Regis watched her daughter scramble to get her homework done. Nothing motivated her more than gossip.

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