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Miranda caught the meaning behind Xena’s words but didn’t bother to argue.Xena, expecting a reaction, waited for Miranda to snap back. When she didn’t, the silence stretched on until Xena bit her lip in frustration.Just then, a staff member approached and announced, “The award ceremony is about to begin. All recipients, please take your assigned seats.”Xena shot Miranda one last look, unable to understand how she always seemed to attract attention so effortlessly. Even Mayor Lloyd had just spoken to her with genuine warmth.The ceremony began, and the host introduced each awardee in turn. When Miranda’s name was announced, a short video played on the big screen, highlighting her team’s breakthrough in medical research. The hall erupted in applause.“Ms. Stone’s contributions in biomedical science have brought hope to countless patients. She is not only a brilliant researcher but also a true role model for women in the modern era. Please welcome Ms. Miranda Stone to the stage,”

Miranda smiled politely. “Sorry to keep you waiting.”“It’s fine,” Leo said with a curious look. “What did Mayor Lloyd want to see you about?”She hesitated. “He introduced me to someone important. We talked a bit about work.”Seeing that she didn’t want to elaborate, Leo didn’t press further. “Did you drive? I can take you home.”“Thanks, but I brought my own car,” Miranda replied gently. She gave him a grateful look. “And thank you for the flowers.”Leo smiled, his gaze warm. “You’re welcome.” He paused for a moment, as if he wanted to say something more, then simply added, “I’ll get going. Call me if you need anything.”Miranda nodded and watched him leave.Once she was in her car, she pulled out her phone and sent Mike a message. “Do you have a moment? I’d like to talk.”“Sure, what’s up?” he replied almost instantly.Miranda blinked in surprise. “That fast? Isn’t he supposed to be busy right now?” she wondered.“I met your uncle and your father today,” she texted.“What

Miranda glanced at the time. “It’s getting late, Grandma. I should take Mia home.”Mrs. Gibson Sr. smiled and patted her hand. “Don’t rush off yet. I have something for you.” She reached for a beautifully carved wooden box beside her. “This is a bracelet I picked out especially for you,” Mrs. Gibson Sr. said warmly as she opened the box.Inside was a delicate lavender gemstone bracelet that looked like it came straight from a luxury jeweler.Miranda hesitated, startled. “Grandma, it’s beautiful, but I really can’t accept this.”“Take it,” Mrs. Gibson Sr. insisted gently. “It’s not that extravagant. Look at you. Your hands are bare, not even a simple ring.”Miranda carefully placed the bracelet back on the table, handling it as if it were something precious. “I really can’t. My work doesn’t allow me to wear jewelry. I spend most of my time in the lab, and it would just get in the way.”She placed the box back where it was and stood. “But thank you for thinking of me. I should go

Later that evening, Xena posted a photo of the bracelet on her social feed.“Thank you for the gift. I love it!”She didn’t name anyone, but everyone in her circle knew who she was referring to. The comments quickly flooded in.“Wow, lavender gemstone! Is someone making things official?”“Congratulations, Xena! Looks like something big is coming.”“Whoever gave that to you has taste and money. That bracelet’s easily worth seven figures.”Reading the string of comments, Xena smiled with satisfaction. After feeling overshadowed by Miranda lately, it felt good to be the one in the spotlight again.That night, after Miranda tucked Mia into bed, she headed to her study to finish some paperwork. Her phone buzzed with a message from Sophie.“Miranda, did you see Xena’s post? She just showed off a gemstone bracelet worth over a million.”A screenshot followed.Miranda stared at the photo, frozen for a moment. It was the same lavender bracelet Mrs. Gibson Sr. had tried to give her at

Felix left the conference room and strode toward the elevators. He told Gavin to pull the hotel’s security footage. Within minutes, they located the taxi he had taken the night before.Felix got into his car and called the driver. After he briefly explained the situation, the man hesitated before replying, “Didn’t I already give that gift box to your sister?”Felix’s brow furrowed. “When?”“About five minutes after you got out,” the driver said. “I brought it back to the hotel. A young woman said she was your sister. I even took a photo, just in case.”He sent the picture over, and sure enough, it was Sienna. Felix exhaled sharply. “Thank you,” he said before hanging up.He immediately called Sienna.“Hey, Felix,” she answered, her voice nervous. She still felt guilty for lying to him the night before.“Did a driver bring you a gift box last night?” Felix asked evenly. “Where’s the bracelet that was inside?”“The bracelet? You mean the lavender one?” Sienna said, confused. “Was