LOGINThat evening, Miranda was reading documents in the upstairs sitting room when she heard Mia’s laughter downstairs, followed by Gigi’s excited barking.Her heart lifted at once, and she immediately headed downstairs.“Mommy, I’m home!”Mia came in wearing her backpack and a cute preppy outfit that looked especially good on her.Miranda walked over to take her backpack.Just as she turned around, Felix stepped inside.There was a smile in his eyes, warmer now, with a lingering tenderness that hadn’t been there before.Miranda didn’t meet his gaze.When she thought about everything that had happened at his place earlier, she still felt a little embarrassed facing him.It wasn’t that she couldn’t face him.It was just that after three years of divorce, the intimacy between them had long since reset to zero. If they wanted to rebuild it, they would need time to find their way back to each other, little by little.“Did you see the email?” Felix asked. “There’s a conference in Hami
“You should think very carefully before making that kind of decision,” Miranda said seriously.“I have thought it through,” Felix said. “Both of our families carry genetic risks. Not having more children is the best decision.”There was a determined look in his eyes.He had already made up his mind on the drive back.If this was what Miranda was worried about, then he would show her with his actions that she had nothing to worry about.“Medical technology is very advanced now,” Miranda said. “If you want a healthy child, there are ways. You don’t have to go that far.”She still didn’t want him to make that kind of decision.She was sure Susan wouldn’t agree to it either.“I don’t want another child.”Felix lifted her into his arms and sat down on the couch, settling her on his lap. His arms wrapped around her, holding her firmly in place.“Mia is enough for the Gibson family. I have her, and she has me.”His voice was low but firm.“The woman I love should be free to live t
Miranda looked away. She didn’t want to talk about this anymore.Her voice was dry when she said, “Grandma is gone now. None of this matters anymore.”“It does matter.”Felix suddenly cupped her face in his hands.“Mira, the only thing I’ve ever wanted is you. You, Miranda Stone. As for children, Mia is enough for me. I’ll raise her well. One day, she’ll be strong enough to carry the Gibson family forward.”Before Miranda realized it, tears had gathered in her eyes.She let out a quiet sigh.“This wasn’t just Grandma’s wish,” she said. “It was your dad’s too. You shouldn’t waste the rest of your life on me.”Felix’s eyes narrowed.“Who told you that was my dad’s dying wish?”Miranda looked up at him.“Wesley Quinn’s wife told me herself. She said she visited your dad before he passed, and that was what he said on his deathbed.”A cold flash passed through Felix’s eyes.Wesley Quinn’s wife?Since when did an outsider dare interfere in Gibson family business?He hadn’t eve
So Miranda had heard Grandma’s final wish?Was that why she had pushed him away so firmly?Before that, she had clearly been softening toward him. Then, all of a sudden, she had become so cruel and so determined.So this was the real reason?Both the Stone and Gibson families had histories of genetic illness. That meant any child between them would carry a high level of risk.Miranda would definitely never take that chance again.She didn’t want to hold him back, and she didn’t want Grandma’s final wish to become a lifelong regret for him. That was why she had pushed him away so heartlessly.“What’s wrong? Did something happen?” Susan asked, growing worried when she saw the look on his face.“It’s nothing. There’s a misunderstanding between Miranda and me that I need to clear up.” Felix forced himself to stay calm as he comforted Susan. “Mom, I’ll come see you again another day.”With that, he picked up his car keys and walked toward the courtyard without wasting another secon
They didn’t talk much on the way there.Soft instrumental music played in the car, carrying a lingering, late-autumn mood. Whenever Felix’s deep gaze shifted toward her, Miranda couldn’t help feeling the tips of her ears warm.She put her glasses back on and looked away, using them to hide her reaction.After lunch at Moutin, Felix obediently followed Miranda to the meeting.The company’s new project had recently hit a bottleneck. Since Felix had been away on business, Keith hadn’t had the authority to ask him for advice directly, so he had only mentioned the issue to Miranda over the phone.He had never expected Miranda to bring Felix himself into the conference room.Keith was thrilled.After listening to Keith’s report, Felix analyzed the situation from a business perspective and quickly offered several sharp, practical suggestions.Miranda sat to the side and listened carefully. She had to admit that Felix’s insight and long-term vision were impressive.The questions he ra
“Thank you.”Miranda smiled at the student.His ears turned red at once, but he still didn’t seem ready to leave. After a moment of hesitation, he asked her a question he had clearly prepared in advance.Felix stood at the back of the crowd.At some point, he had picked up a bouquet too.White lisianthus and pale purple irises. Fresh, elegant, and understated, just like Miranda herself.He watched as Miranda spoke with the young man. The student was so nervous and excited that his face stayed flushed the entire time.After Miranda answered his question, she lifted a hand to adjust her glasses.Then her gaze suddenly met a pair of deep, intense eyes.She froze for a second.What was he doing here?Samantha noticed him too and smiled.“Felix, you came too.”“Dr. Liam.”Felix stepped forward with a smile. Then he handed the bouquet to Miranda.“Your lecture was wonderful.”Miranda hadn’t noticed him arrive.She accepted the flowers.“Thank you.”The next second, the lap
Gavin immediately asked, “Mr. Gibson, were you considering preparing a gift for Ms. Stone as well?”“She wouldn’t accept it.” Felix lowered his gaze, a trace of gloom flashing through his eyes.Gavin understood at once. A gift that wouldn’t be accepted would only make the recipient uncomfortable.
Just then, Felix turned to James.“Dr. Moore, the recruitment of the civilian project teams will be entirely under your authority. You will be responsible for the selection, evaluation, and final confirmation of the lead researchers for all three specialized R&D groups.”James gave a slight nod. T
“It looks like you really stole the spotlight today.”A voice filled with open hostility came from behind her.Miranda saw Sienna in the mirror, arms crossed as she leaned against the doorframe. Her red lips curled into a mocking smile.Miranda didn't turn around, nor did she offer a response.“
Miranda nodded. “Yes, it was a special invitation from the Secretary of State, and we were all very honored to participate.”“That’s impressive,” Leo said, unable to hide a note of admiration. “Being invited like that says a lot about you.”Miranda smiled slightly. “You’re too kind.”Leo’s gaze d







