Chapter 284
Miranda dropped Hannah off at home before heading to the company’s gaming lounge. She played a couple of rounds with the team before leaving.
The gaming lounge was a popular spot for esports players to stream during their downtime. Most of them were former members of Vortex Esports, where Lysander had been.
Lysander and Arabella had become notorious in the esports world, thanks in part to some of these players. After being tricked by the brother–sister duo on the reality show, these players felt betrayed and had no qualms about voicing their grievances during their streams.
They aired out every grievance, from when Lysander joined the team to his bizarre “sister–worship” antics on the show.
Before, they held back due to being on the same team and fearing the power of the Hawke family. But once they left Vortex for Flying Fish Legion, they felt liberated.
With insiders spilling the beans, Lysander and Arabella earned the nickname “esports pariahs“. Lysander’s popularity plummeted since then, and Vortex Esports removed him from his captaincy, forming a new team instead.
Eventually, Lysander found himself isolated, leading to his departure from Vortex. Now, his reputation was in shambles, and his once–loyal fans had turned their backs on him.
After leaving Vortex, Lysander signed with an unimpressive team that sought to capitalize on his controversial fame.
Miranda, with her natural charisma, often visited the lounge to boost the morale and visibility of the players and newcomers. Her admirable gaming skills made her a favorite among the players and gaming fans alike.
Whenever she appeared on a stream, the viewership soared, attracting even professional gamers to tune in. Marion, recognizing Miranda’s star power, encouraged her to make regular appearances through live streams.
Despite not being heavily active in the entertainment industry, Mirand remained her popularity sky–high. Her acting chops, reality show presence, her compelling rags–to–riches story, and her current status as an heiress set her apart from other celebrities.
Miranda didn’t organize fan clubs or support groups, which only made her more endearing to the public.
When she returned home and disembark from her car, a woman rushed towards her. Miranda almost instinctively defended herself.
“My daughter!”
Miranda frowned as she gazed at the woman before her. “Who are you calling? You must have the wrong
person.”
Mrs. Hawke’s eyes were red as she reached out to hold Miranda’s hand, which Miranda deftly avoided.
“Miranda, it’s your mother.”
Miranda’s face remained expressionless. She wondered if it was time to sell the villa and move elsewhere since anyone seemed to be able to find her here.
In the past, Mrs. Hawke always had a perfectly made–up face. Miranda remembered while she was with the Hawke family, Mrs. Hawke had frequently taken Arabella for cosmetic treatments, chatting about the treatment and beauty products without ever casting an extra glance at her.
When Miranda first returned to the Hawke family, though, Mrs. Hawke had found her looks a distaste and considered giving her a makeover, taking her to do some aesthetic treatment
But it was deterred after Arabella falsely accused Miranda of discreetly using their makeup. In anger, her birth mother decided to ignore her altogether, leaving her at home, give the fact that she wouldn’t take Miranda out
1/2
13:29
for socializing anyway.
Now, Mrs. Hawke looked worn, with more wrinkles and a saggy face, clearly not doing well. She was also noticeably thinner.
After all, discovering her adopted daughter had seduced her husband was a tough pill to swallow.
“I don’t have a mother,” Miranda said coldly. “I must look like someone without a mother, don’t you think?”
Mrs. Hawke’s face fell, and she sighed deeply. “Miranda, don’t be like this. I’m in pain too.”
Miranda smiled. “Well, your pain seems pretty cheap.”
Mrs. Hawke wiped her tears. “I know they’ve all tried to reach out to you. I know you won’t forgive us.”
Miranda’s voice was devoid of emotion. “Then why are you here? To get yelled at? Or are you hoping I’ll call the police?”
Mrs. Hawke was silent for a moment, seemingly gathering her thoughts. Finally, she groaned hesitantly, “Miranda, we were wrong in the past. That vile thing has been thrown out. I never imagined that after all these years, she’d repay me by seducing her foster father!”
Her voice grew more agitated as she spoke.
“I was blind to have raised her all these years! I should have kicked her out when you came back!” Miranda could tell that the Hawke family had quite the drama after the last encounter. Arabella had gone off the deep end trying to stay in the family. Perhaps she thought seducing her foster father would guarantee her a lavish lifestyle.
Miranda wondered why she hadn’t tried to seduce Dorian and the others. They seemed pretty close in the past, and their relationship had definitely crossed familial boundaries.
With Arabella’s possessive nature, claiming them as her men, it was hard to believe she hadn’t tried to charm her “brothers“.
Chapter 285
