16:44
Chapter 270
Chapter 270
“Uh–huh,” Cathy croaked, her voice scratchy and dry, as if it hadn’t been used in ages.
Miranda finished peeling an apple and took a bite. “Does he know you’re awake?”
Cathy shook her head. “No.”
Miranda continued, “Now that you’re up, what do you want to do?”
Miranda crunched on her apple, the sound a symphony of sweetness and crispness.
Cathy turned her head to look at Miranda, her eyes fixed on the apple in her hand. She whispered, “I want an apple.”
Miranda paused, then cut a small slice and gently fed it to Cathy.
As Cathy savored the apple, tears welled up‘ in her eyes. Her voice trembled as she said, “So sweet. Thank you.” Though Cathy had just come out of a coma, she had been aware during her time unconscious. She could hear, she could feel, but she couldn’t see. She knew someone had been visiting her every once in a while, talking to her, and treating her.
Though she had no idea what those things were that pierced her skin, she knew she was getting obviously better, her consciousness growing stronger.
When she finally opened her eyes, she discovered it was Miranda. The same Miranda she had seen before. The same girl she had once helped in secret when others bullied her.
During her coma, Cathy learned that Miranda had been wrongly accused of pushing her off the building. But she knew the truth. Miranda wasn’t the one who did it.
“Miranda.” Cathy looked at Miranda, eyes reddening, “I don’t know how to help you now.”
She wanted to help Miranda but felt lost on what to do. She had been asleep for over two years, and the world -had moved on without her. Her parents had long since taken the Hawke family’s money and left for another
country, leaving her alone and unsure of what to do next.
Miranda handed Cathy another slice of apple, smiling. “No rush. Let’s just watch the show for now.”
Cathy blinked, unsure what Miranda meant by “show“, but nodded anyway.
Over the next couple of days, Miranda had encounters with Lysander and Orion. She went through the motions, leaving no stone unturned. Her words went from sincere to sharp, inciting a mix of anger and self–doubt in them as they left.
These twin brothers, though not as notoriously cruel as Dorian and Alistair, had been a source of torment for Miranda. Their youth only amplified the pain they caused her.
They were once as loyal to Arabella as a lapdog to its owner, treating Miranda like a toy for their pranks, throwing mice onto her bed, or locking her in the basement. Her fear and screams were their entertainment, something to share with Arabella.
Thus, Miranda showed no mercy. Watching them writhe in emotional agony before letting them leave was her form of justice.
Three days later, Miranda, now known as Ms. Lancaster, attended a charity auction. Unsurprisingly, the Hawke family was there too.
Ms. Lancaster had become a rising star in the elite circles, attracting many who wanted to befriend her. Meanwhile, the once–celebrated Hawke family was left in the shadows, their presence barely acknowledged.
The four Hawke brothers, attending in a group, seemed lifeless, a stark contrast to their former vibrant selves. But when they spotted the radiant Miranda, a spark of life returned to their eyes.
1/2
16:44
Chapter 270
Miranda had become a figure of influence, known quietly to some as the Great Healer. Her reputation for healing influential figures had earned her more respect and admiration.
As Miranda’s mother, Lavinia basked in the attention, graciously accepting the compliments. “Oh, my daughter is just exceptional. Hahaha, I love hearing that.”
Miranda, by Lavinia’s side, navigated the auction’s after–party. Her lifted gaze casually met that of Alden and Grace staring at her.
Mrs. Hawke dabbed at tears, regret etched into her features as she looked at Miranda. But the latter simply smiled and ignored her, turning to.Lavinia. “Godmom, let’s see what’s over there.”
Mrs. Hawke felt a pang of sorrow at being dismissed.
“Great. She’s not going to acknowledge us now,” Alden sighed, resigning to their fate. With that, they continued mingling, bringing Dorian and the others along to network.
Lavinia glanced over, speaking softly, “I’ve heard the Hawke Group is in serious financial trouble, with major cash flow issues. It seems they’re hoping to arrange marriages for their sons to save the family. That’s probably why they’ve brought all four of them here.
