جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 420

Miranda’s fingers hovered over the screen for a long time, but she couldn’t bring herself to reply. Finally, she set her phone down on the nightstand. Her exhaustion had faded, replaced by a sharp clarity.She thought of Mayor Lloyd and Mrs. Lloyd, of Mrs. Lloyd Sr., and even of the secretary of state. They all cared deeply for Mike and wanted what was best for him. They had always treated her kindly and respectfully.And because they were good people, Miranda knew she had to make a clean, firm decision. She couldn’t lead Mike on.If she had already decided never to remarry, she couldn’t allow herself to become the reason Mike missed his chance at happiness.She didn’t reply. Without communication online and with no reason to meet in person, their paths would naturally drift apart. In time, they would both move on with their lives in peace.Miranda turned and wrapped her arms around Mia’s warm, soft body. Breathing in Mia’s scent, she finally drifted into a calm sleep.The next m

Although Miranda’s invitation sounded more polite than sincere, Mike’s eyes brightened. “Are you sure it’s convenient?”“Of course it is,” Mrs. Young said with a smile. “Mr. Lloyd, I’ve already bought all the groceries. It’s no trouble to make a bit more food.”Mike’s lips curved in a faint smile. “Then I’ll gladly accept the invitation.”Miranda turned to Mrs. Young. “Please prepare a little extra. Sophie and Mia will be joining us for lunch.”“Got it,” Mrs. Young replied, heading off to the kitchen.Miranda picked up her phone. “I need to make a quick call.”Stepping into the courtyard, she dialed Sophie. “Can you bring Mia home now?”Sophie laughed on the other end. “So, how bad did Felix’s face look when he saw Mike?”“I’ll tell you when you get here,” Miranda said before hanging up.Fifteen minutes later, Sophie arrived with Mia. Mia stopped in her tracks when she noticed a man she didn’t recognize in the house. She quickly ducked behind Miranda, peeking out with wide, cu

That morning, Miranda met with Jacob to review the latest test results. The military trials had gone well, and the animal experiments showed nearly a ninety-seven percent success rate. A few minor issues still needed to be resolved, but DE’s data team could handle the adjustments.The entire company was on edge that day. Felix’s strict, results-driven management style had made everyone realize just how ruthless he could be.When Miranda stepped into the restroom and entered a stall, she heard a group of women walk in, their heels clicking across the floor.“Everyone in the office is terrified today,” one of them whispered. “It’s like one bad report and Mr. Gibson could fire the entire department.”“What are you worried about?” another said. “Your team has Miranda. She’s his ex-wife. He wouldn’t dare touch your group.”“Exactly! I heard they even have a daughter. There’s no way he’d fire his kid’s mom.”“I think it’s more about her talent than their past. She’s too valuable to rep

Miranda returned to her office just as Jacob sent over several experimental reports for her to review. She quickly immersed herself in work until her phone rang. It was Keith.“Hello, Keith. What’s going on?”“Ms. Stone, there’s a wedding this weekend that you’ll need to attend,” Keith said.“Whose wedding?”“It’s Chairman Lowe’s daughter. The invitation just came in.” He paused for a moment, then added, “You really should make time to be there, no matter how busy you are.”Miranda rubbed her temples. She knew exactly how influential Chairman Lowe was in the business world. “All right, I understand,” she said quietly.“I’ll bring the invitation to you first thing tomorrow morning.” Keith hung up soon after.Miranda leaned back in her chair, already certain Felix would be there. She had been trying to avoid seeing him at social events, but this time, it seemed inevitable.The next morning, Keith personally delivered the embossed gold invitation. “Mr. Lincoln is expected to atten

Miranda hadn’t expected Xena to show up at all, let alone as one of the bridesmaids.Xena clearly noticed her too. When her gaze moved over and landed on Leo sitting beside Miranda, she gave a faint, knowing smile before turning her attention back to the couple at the altar.The ceremony began. The officiant led the bride and groom through their vows, they exchanged rings, and the ballroom erupted in applause. Miranda joined in, her expression calm and composed.Beside her, Leo clapped as well, but his eyes lingered on her face. He wondered if moments like this brought back memories of her own wedding.He remembered that day vividly. Miranda was walking down the aisle on Felix’s arm, radiant and full of joy. Back then, Leo had genuinely been happy for Felix. After that, he no longer saw Miranda around Felix’s circle. He heard she had devoted herself to family life, becoming a full-time mother and wife.It wasn’t until years later, when he saw her performing on stage overseas, th