When fate plays its hand
163

Chapter 0163

Cynthia changed

o indoor slippers and glanced around the living room. She noticed several large packed boxes in the comer before sitting silently on the couch Lionel, Mindy, are you clearing out your

niec,

Mindy sad with a smile. No, we’re just packing up some bedding and clothes”

Have you all packed up already? Cynthia’s gaze lingered on the boxes.

“Are you planning to move out”

Where to?

Lone and Mindy exchanged a glance. They decided that there was no need to hide anything Besides,

The truth would have to come out sooner or later

Lone said, “Welll be moving to the new development project nearby. It’s called Lakeside Jewel

“Did you by a high–rise?”

Lionel shook his head. “No, we bought a villa.”

Cynthia displayed just the right amount of surprise, as if she had just leamed of the news. “Lionel, where did you get so much money? The cheapest Lakeview Villa costs three to four million dollars You.” She caused for a moment, locking concerned. “You didn’t get involved in anything illegal, did you?” No, I wouldn’t dare to do that!” Lionel didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Cynthia proced. Then, about the money.”

His from M-*

“Dad” Miranda suddenly interrupted as she came in from the balcony. “Why would you keep rambling on instead of asking why Aunt Cynthia paid us a visit so suddenly?”

“Oh, right Cynria, what brings you here?” Lionel asked. She rarely came over, so she surely had an important resson to visit them out of the blue.

Cynthia was caught off guard by the question. She hadn’t expected Miranda to interrupt at this moment. Moreover, she was at a loss for words to answer her pointed question.

1 was entertaining a client in the area. Since I was close by, I thought I’d drop in and visit you.”

“Is that so? I heard that you just got promoted to IT manager. You must be very busy,” Miranda said.

Cynthia forced a smile 1 just took a break from my busy schedule, Miranda. By the way, there were too many people and too much going on at your uncle’s place last time, so I didn’t get a chance to catch up with you”

Miranda raised an eyebrow and looked surprised. “Aunt Cynthia, what did you want to talk about?”

Chapter 0163

“Are you planning to leave after Christmas?”

“If all goes as expected, I will be returning to Elgerson City.”

“So, what are you doing there? Working? Studying? Or something else?”

Miranda hesitated for a moment. “Well, let’s say I’m exploring new opportunities.”

She had to wait for the results from her postgraduate admission exam before she could say going back to study.

+25 BONUS

she was

However, everything was still uncertain as she hadn’t received the acceptance letter yet. Although Miranda was confident, she didn’t want to make any claims prematurely. So, she gave a vague answer.

But to Cynthia, Miranda’s answer sounded like she didn’t plan to get a job, and she was most probably going to look for a rich person to latch onto!

Her heart–sank, and she motioned for Miranda to come closer. “Come here, Mimi. Have a seat. We need to have a little chat.”

Puzzled, Miranda walked over and sat down beside Cynthia.

“Mimi, do you know what is most important for us women?”

“Huh?”

“The abil, to maintain our dignity, a resilient spirit, and the passion to strive for our goals.”

“What?”

Cynthia continued, “Look at my life, for example. I’ve had my share of hardships. I grew up in a poor family, so I studied hard and got into a decent university.

“After graduation, I couldn’t replace a good job, so I started from the bottom as a bank teller. I did all sorts of dirty and tiring jobs for low pay. Now, I’ve turned full–time and even became an IT manager.

“As for my marriage, I thought I married a good man, but he turned out to be a jerk. I chose to cut my losses and divorced him. Although I’m living on my own. I’m doing just fine, isn’t it?”

“Uh… Aunt Cynthia, what exactly are you trying to say?” Miranda asked.