Chapter 26
Miranda showed up at Riverbend Manor, only to be stopped right at the gates,
The security guard stood there stone–faced, ignoring both her curses and her pleas
“Come on, just make one call for me. Is that so hard? Whatever Derrick’s paying you. I’ll double it, alright? What about ten times?”
Miranda said.
Still, the guard didn’t say a word.
Her voice was loud enough that Maeve, working in the garden, could hear it.
Maeve couldn’t help finding it ironic. She scoffed inwardly. Now, you care about your daughter, huh?! Your baby girl tried to go after Mrs. Graham and Mr. Graham’s baby.
‘If Ethan hadn’t caught on to her plan, you wouldn’t even have a chance to stand out here screaming!
No matter how Miranda yelled outside, no one responded. Eventually, she had no choice but to leave.
And even if she knew exactly where her daughter was, calling the police was out of the question.
She racked her brain for anyone she knew who might have a way with Derrick. But no matter how hard she thought, she came up
empty.
The women she usually had afternoon tea and spa days with had some money, but nowhere near enough to stand up to Riverbend Group
The only name she could come up with was Richard. However, Richard couldn’t care less about her or Mia. Mia had been gone a day and night, and he hadn’t shown the slightest concern
Finally losing her patience, Miranda stormed over
to Lawson Corporation.
for
over
“Ma’am, you can’t go up without an appointment. Miranda’s determined march to confront Richard was abruptly stopped at the front desk.
Miranda jabbed a finger toward the receptionist, snapping, “You must be new here. You don’t know who I am?”
Before marrying Richard, Miranda was Lawson Corporation’s well–respected executive assistant. People used to bend over backward to picase her. She never imagined a receptionist would dare to block heknow.
But the front desk staff changed with the times, and the ones from her working days were long gone.
The receptionist’s attitude shifted to something more polite, but her tone stayed fym. “Ma’am, why don’t you name someone in the company? I can call them to take you in. I have to do my job. Hope you can understand
Miranda’s
‘s anger flared, but when she left the company, she deleted every single work contact.
In her opinion, they were just salary workers. She had climbed up the social ladder. Keeping their numbers would’ve been nothing but
an eyesore.
Her breathing grew sharp before she finally forced herself to calm down. She called Richard. No surprise–he didn’t answer.
She tried to call Richard’s assistants, but they all gave the same line–Richard was in a meeting, and they’d pass the message to him later,
By the time she made all the calls, the receptionist’s eyes had taken on a faintly mocking glint.
Sering Miranda–clearly didn’t know anyone here, the receptionist turned colder. She said. “If you don’t have any business here, ma’am, please leave. We still have work to do.”
Miranda glared at the young, pretty receptionist before turning to leave.
She thought bitterly, Richard is obviously avoiding me. Sing here till dark won’t change that. Anyway, he’ll have to come home. I’ll just wait for him at home?
Chapter 26
Up on the top floor, Richard had just wrapped up a long meeting when an assistant came in with an update.
“Miranda wanted to see me! Richard was a bit surprised to hear that.
When it came to his wife, Richard felt nothing but annoyance. Back at that company party years ago, he only had a drink, and the next morning, he woke up in Miranda’s bed. He never believed for a second that Miranda was innocent…
Richard said flatly, “Probably nothing important. Ignore her.”
The assistant had been working for Richard for years and knew all about his history with Miranda,
In his eyes. Miranda was scheming even back when she was still working in the company. He never thought she’d actually use somethin that cheap to sleep with their CEO.
Now that Miranda was iced out, everyone thought she had it coming-
Still, no matter how much Miranda deserved it, she was living the good life–no work, steady money. Unlike them, who were still broke office drones.
That night, when Derrick got back to Riverbend Manor, Katherine was already asleep
a scene at the gates.
He asked Maeve about the day, and she told him all about Miranda showing up and making a se
When she finished. Derrick’s voice went cold. “She’s forced to this point and still doesn’t dare call the cops. She clearly knows they’ve done something shady.”
Maeve had worried at first that keeping Mia locked up might push Miranda into going to the police, which could be bad for both Derrick and Katherine.
Now, hearing Derrick’s words, Maeve suddenly felt enlightened. She thought, True. Worst–case, the police will nail us for locking someone. But them? That’s attempted poisoning. Compared to that, Miranda knows exactly which one is more serious.
“If nothing unexpected happens, Katherine’s dad will probably step in soon.” Derrick’s eyes lifted toward the second floor, his gaze deep.
He knew Katherine and Richard didn’t have the best relationship, and honestly, he liked it that way. That meant the only person Katherine could truly depend on was him.
But Derrick also knew it couldn’t stay that way forever. At the very least, Richard should know the child existed.
At Windridge Villa, Richard didn’t get home until nearly midnight, carrying the faint smell of alcohol.
Hearing the steps at the door, Miranda shot a glare toward it but as soon as Richard stepped inside, her face shifted to something gentle and demure.
“Honey, you’re finally home. A busy day, huli?” She walked to the entryway and crouched down to help him change shoes.
Richard stepped back, avoiding her hands. “You don’t need to do that.
His brows were drawn ught, the rejection written all over his face.
Miranda froze for a moment, then leaned in again, stubbornly reaching for his shoes. She said. “Come on, allow me. This is what a wife
should do
She tilted her chin up to look at Richard. Her well–kept face caught the dim light, making her look almost delicate.
She added, “Honey, we’ve been married for so many years. You should at least let me do my duty.”
Richard’s expression turned icy. He yanked his foot from her grip, and without meaning to, lost his balance and hit the floor with a loud.
thud.
The noise clattered through the hall before fading. His wrist took the brunt when he caught himself, sending a dull ache up his
Miranda stood there stunned, unable to believe that Richard would rather fall on the floor than let her touch him. For a woman who tried hard to swallow her pride, that was a brutal blow
Chapter 26
Still, her anger lasted all of one second before she switched to a worried act. “Richard, are you okay? Let me take you to the hospital”
Richard brushed off her hand again and pushed himself up with the help of the cabinet nearby. No worries. I can go check on myself”
His voice stayed cold. “Just go to bed, and don’t bother coming to my office.
He then started to leave, but Miranda suddenly threw her arms around him from behind.
Her voice trembled, and she broke into tears. “Richard, it’s fine if you don’t like me or don’t want kids with me. But please, I’m begging you. Save Mia.
“You’re the only one I can turn to. She’s been living under your roof for so many years. Can you just help her, please?”
C
