When fate plays its hand (Miranda)

Chapter 0823

Nelly linked arms with Timothy and greeted Mindy with a smile. “Min, Lionel, what a surprise to see you here! I hadn’t heard from Mom and Dad that you’d be spending Easter in Elgerson. This is wonderful–a full family reunion.”

Her words were polished, and her smile was radiant.

Aren and Fiona exchanged a look. Ever since Nelly married into the Cooper family, she had never returned home for major holidays like Easter or Thanksgiving.

Fiona could understand, partially. On one hand, she hadn’t wanted to see Nelly either, so her absence was a relief. On the other hand, Nelly had her own family obligations now, with in–laws and kids to tend to. It left her with little room for visits to her childhood home.

Yet, it could be said that once the seed of dislike was sown, everything about the other party felt unsatisfactory in every possible way.

Take Mindy, for example. She had returned for Easter, and Fiona’s smile hadn’t faltered all day. But now that Nelly was here, that smile had visibly dimmed.

Still, it was a holiday, and asking Nelly to leave wasn’t appropriate–especially with Sam present. Although Aren and Fiona weren’t thrilled, they invited Nelly and Timothy to join them at the table.

The housekeeper quickly prepared two clean sets of plates and utensils. Nelly took her seat with a smile. “What an honor to get this treatment! It seems I have Min to thank for it today.”

No one responded to her comment.

the serving spoon and placed some food on Timothy’s plate.

tone remained neutral.

ate a piece of rib but froze as

in the kitchen since this morning. Most

about all the favoritism and unequal treatment, but being confronted with it like this

cooked in years; I thought I’d never

frowned. “Eat your dinner

trying to stuff my mouth with

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0823

Dad?”

you’re not this

at my parents‘ house today. Isn’t it absurd

“I’m not saying you can’t talk, but could

was about

Sam interjected suddenly, breaking the tension. “Grandma spent a lot of time preparing this meal. You should

beef onto Nelly’s plate. Nelly forced herself to let it go, picking up her bowl and regaining her smile. “It’s delicious. Mom’s cooking is