Chapter 16
Miranda’s breath quickened. “Felix wants to invest in my research project?” she thought.
With his wealth and influence, he was undeniably the most ideal investor. But deep down, Miranda resisted the idea. She wanted nothing to do with him on any level.
“Alright, James, please request a leave of absence for me,” she said, cutting herself off mid–thought.
Miranda silently hoped the investor wasn’t Felix. She didn’t care if someone with less power stepped in. As long as the project moved forward, it would eventually attract more companies anyway.
She had no intention of staying any longer. Grabbing her car keys, she went downstairs and left ahead of time.
It wasn’t until 4:30 in the afternoon that she received a message from James.
“Mira, be prepared. Felix is very interested in investing. Dr. Lewis is also enthusiastic about having him on board.”
Even if Miranda was anxious, this wasn’t something she could control. All she could do now was wait for Felix to finish evaluating the project and make his decision.
Later, Miranda picked Mia up from school. They had just gotten home when Mrs. Young approached and said, “Ma’am, Miss Gibson is here.”
Miranda paused, then looked down over the second–floor railing toward the living room. Felix’s sister, Sienna, had shown up unannounced.
She barely knew this sister–in–law, who spent most of the year traveling and only appeared briefly during the holidays. Since marrying Felix, Miranda had rarely seen her, let alone had a proper conversation.
“Is my brother not home?” Sienna asked casually.
“He’s not back yet,” Miranda said as she walked down the stairs.
“Aunt Sienna!” Mia shouted with excitement and threw herself into Sienna’s arms.
“Did you miss me? Or did you forget all about me already?” Sienna teased as she scooped up the little one and gave her a once- over. “Wanna have dinner with me tonight?”
“Yes! I wanna go out to eat!” Mia nodded eagerly, her little head bouncing.
“Great. Then we’ll go out tonight,” Sienna said, touching her forehead to Mia’s with a grin.
Miranda smiled. “Sienna, why don’t you just stay for dinner at home? It’s not often you visit.”
“No need. I’m taking Mia out tonight. I’m also taking her to buy some toys,” Sienna replied cheerfully. en, still holding Mia in her arms, she said, “We’ll head out now.”
Though Miranda was a bit worried, there was no stopping them. “Mia, make sure you listen to your aunt, okay?”
“I will, Mommy!” Mia answered happily.
Before Miranda could say anything else, Sienna had already whisked her daughter out the door.
Mrs. Young turned to her and asked, “Ma’am, should I check if Mr. Gibson will be home for dinner?”
Miranda replied, “Go ahead and call him.”
Mrs. Young made the call and returned shortly after. “He said he’s eating out tonight.”
Miranda had expected that. Sienna had probably already contacted him.
Just then, her phone rang. She picked it up. “Hello? Sophie?”
1/2
Chapter 18
+25 BONUS
“I just got a bonus. Let’s go celebrate with dimmer!” Sophie’s voice rang through the line.
Miranda had been wanting to get some air anyway, so she readily agreed, “Sounds great. Where should we go? I’ll head out now.”
“Of course I’m treating you to something fancy!” Sophie declared with excitement.
Sophie sent her the location. It was a high–end restaurant in Atlantis City, on the top floor of the city’s most luxurious shopping mall in the CBD.
They had planned to meet at the mall entrance, As Miranda walked toward Sophie, who was waving from across the street, something caught her eye. A little girl was skipping along happily nearby.
She turned to look and immediately froze.
Wasn’t that Mia? Her daughter?