Chapter 191
“How’s that good luck? They don’t have a dime to do with each other.”
Arabella overheard the whispers around her about Miranda. When she caught wind of the gossip that Miranda had spent three million dollars on a jewelry necklace for Hannah, Arabella was dumbfounded.
That was probably the Lancaster family’s money?
She muttered, pretending to talk to no one in particular, “Spending her foster mom’s hard–earned cash on gifts for others doesn’t even see herself as an outsider, huh?”
“What? Using her foster mom’s money to buy gifts worth three million for someone else?” A voice full of disbelief suddenly piped up next to Arabella.
Turning, Arabella saw a young woman dressed head–to–toe in luxury designer brands, looking about her age but with a fiercely indignant look on her face.
“Spending Ms. Lavinia Lancaster’s money like it’s nothing, huh?” the girl furned. “I thought she was a good person, but turns out she’s just an ungrateful brat.”.
Though Arabella envied the girl’s designer attire, she quickly seized the opportunity to agree and whispered, “Yeah, I can’t stand it either. President Lancaster treats her so well, and she just squanders the money like that.”
The girl huffed, turning on her heel and storming over. Arabella smirked icily. Even the wealthy could be used as pawns by her.
Miranda was watching as the man before her, hands in his pockets and wearing a charming smile, leaned towards her.
Was it a bit embarrassing? Maybe. But with Elian’s strikingly handsome face, even his antics seemed to win
ts of many girls nearby.
Over th
Wh
e thought the notoriously ill–tempered Mr. Ashcroft could have such an endearing side?
Even those who had only heard of him by reputation, unaware of his identity as the fearful Mr. Ashcroft, were drawn to this beautiful young man.
Miranda glanced around, noticing the many cameras capturing their every move. Elian didn’t seem to care. Any photo of him would swiftly vanish from the internet, leaving no trace.
“Buy what? I’m broke now,” Miranda refused.
Elian frowned. “You bought her something, why not me?”
Miranda replied, “She’s my sister, are you?”
Elian looked at her, silent for a few seconds. “I could be.”
Miranda was like, “??” Both Caius and Hannah mirrored her expression.
Was this how Mr. Elian Ashcroft usually behaved? They’d never heard of such a thing. Wasn’t it said that no one ever dared to boss Elian around? That no one could ever outshine him? That nobody, regardless of the gender, would respect him for his sake?
Yet here he was, the infamous and ruthless young Ashcroft, acting so obediently in front of Miranda.
“So, are you buying?” Elian asked, eyes full of hopeful anticipation as they settled on Miranda, as if he was hell–bent on securing the same treatment as Hannah.
Hannah wasn’t pleased. It felt like Elian was stealing her thunder.
Caius was also unhappy. Had he known someone else would vie for attention, he wouldn’t have refused earlier. If Miranda agreed, he’d be left with nothing.
1/2
14:02
Elian’s gaze was hard to resist, filled with such singular focus on Miranda, like a child eagerly waiting for candy.
Miranda, who couldn’t resist soft pleas, reluctantly agreed, “Fine.”
With just one word, a trace of indulgence was evident, making a couple of girls watching nearby cover their faces with delighted smiles.
“Oh my gosh, how adorable!!”
“I always said Mr. Elian Ashcroft and Miranda are a perfect match!”
“Heavens, if I met a guy like this, I’d be giving him the stars, not just jewelry!”
“Sweetheart, wake up. You’re not Miranda; you’ll never meet a guy like that.”
“Well, I’ll just wish them a lifetime of happiness then, alas.”
“Darn it, I’m still rooting for them!!”
Today’s young girls were mostly internet savvy, spending lots of time online. When they saw attractive people with strong chemistry, it’s easy to project their fantasies onto them.
With Miranda and Elian – a beauty and a handsome man – their interactions quickly ignited romantic imaginations.
Elian’s smile widened as he heard Miranda finally agree.
Miranda cleared her throat softly, leaning in to whisper in Elian’s ear. “Don’t pick anything too expensive, keep it under two million.”
She
she
to save some money to buy a gift for her godmother. As for Elian, if she could manage the cost, and buying him something. It was a way to repay him for that fifty million–dollar deal last time.
Elian’s smile grew even broader, his tone playful. “Alright.”
His eyes sparkled as he looked at Miranda, brimming with warmth.
Seeing Elian so happy, Miranda wondered, was he really this easy to please? Did men like shiny things too?
Elian, of course, had no interest in shiny things. As a man, such trinkets held no appeal for him. At least, not until today. But now, because Miranda offered to buy them for him, he found himself intrigued.
Just then, a loud female voice interrupted them.
“Using Ms. Lavinia Lancaster’s money to flaunt and buy gifts for others, you’ve really got some nerve!”
