Chapter 67
Miranda was initially fuming with frustration and anger, but hearing Elian’s words, she couldn’t muster the energy to argue with his brash behavior.
Today, she had used a particularly intricate acupuncture technique to treat Mr. Ashcroft. This method, passed down through generations at NexMed Labs, was renowned for its utmost complexity and power.
Performing this technique required immense skill and exerted a significant toll on the practitioner, both mentally and physically. In her previous life, it wouldn’t have been an issue, but in her current body, she felt the
strain.
She had been trying to take better care of herself, but it wasn’t enough. After all, in her past life, she’d practically grown up in a medicinal pool, while now, she was merely a novice. So, after the treatment, Miranda felt exhausted.
Elian was driving, speaking softly about the origin of Mr. Ashcroft’s illness.
“Grandpa caught this disease twenty years ago, just like his comrades. Everyone stationed in that area seems to get it, and out of those, eighty percent die horribly. Only a few survive, but they’re in constant pain, needing medication to stay alive.
“Those who passed away turned into as if a rabid beast, gnawing their peers‘ flesh, until they started eating
themselves.”
He continued, and then noticed Miranda had fallen silent. Glancing over, he saw she had fallen asleep, her complexion not as radiant as she used to, even a tab pale, she looked weary.
He decided not to disturb the peace, driving quietly to take her home. Thankfully, he had arranged for her car to be towed. In her current state, she might have dozed off at the wheel.
A small smile played on his lips as he parked outside her villa. Instead of waking her, Elian found himself just watching her, lost in thought.
Lavinia came back in the midst of this scene, momentarily surprised to see Elian’s car. Noticing Miranda asleep in the passenger seat, she understood.
She approached with the intention to speak, but Elian gestured for silence, nodding towards Miranda. Lavinia smiled knowingly and went inside the villa.
Although the villa was a gift from Lavinia to Miranda, the former occasionally stayed there, for it was adjacent to her company. When Lavinia wasn’t too busy, she’d stop by, bringing some stuff for Miranda.
When Miranda finally stirred, it was dark outside, and she was still in Elian’s car, though feeling more rested.
“Why didn’t you wake me?” she asked, massaging her temples.
Elian, leaning against the car door, replied as he gazed at Miranda, eyes dripping with delight. “You looked so peaceful. Didn’t want to risk you waking up grumpy.”
His eyes, bright in the dim light, held a mischievous warmth. Miranda tried to wake herself up more; she opened the car door and got out, habitually thanking him. “Thanks.”
But then, she spotted her car parked at the entrance. Wait a minute. Why was she thanking him? He insisted on driving her home.
“You’re welcome,” Elian replied, his tone amused. She heard the engine start as he drove away.
Miranda frowned slightly, watching the car’s taillights disappear, her mind drifting back to the day’s events.
Did he misunderstand something? Should she clarify that her interest in his physique was purely scientific, like admiring a perfectly preserved specimen?
The thought of that unexpected kiss crossed her mind, but she dismissed it. Human attraction often boiled
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Chapter 67
down to hormones and adrenaline. It was nothing more.
She touched her forehead, mumbling to herself, “I really need to take better care of this body. It just can’t keep
up.”
Inside the villa, she found countless shopping bags as well as a resting Lavinia. Seeing Miranda, Lavinia waved her over with a bright smile.
“Hey Miranda, you’re back! Over here, I bought you some new outfits. Come try them on, see if you like them. And there are a few bags too, do you like them?”
Miranda chuckled. “No need to try them on. I like everything you pick.”
Ever since she got out, Lavinia had been buying her loads of high–end clothes and accessories. Having been released from prison, she didn’t have many clothes, all the current attire purchased by Lavinia, who seemed quite interested in buying her clothes, jewels and purses.
Except Miranda wasn’t a fan of those, and she would only choose to wear some of the clothes. Consequently, Lavinia’d buy mostly clothing, eager to dress Miranda up like a pretty doll with different attire every single day. Lavinia laughed and said, “You should at least try them on. I love seeing my daughter looking her best.”
The joy of having a daughter without the hassle of marriage or childbirth was evident in Lavinia’s expressions. “I don’t need to envy those with daughters anymore, now I have one who’s better than anyone else’s,” Lavinia beamed, meticulously selecting outfits for Miranda.
Miranda joined in her laughter, though she could sense a lingering sadness from the past Miranda’s soul within her.
