When fate plays its hand (Miranda)

Chapter 0830

“I actually thought about the possibility of you surviving,” Nelly said, her voice laced with disdain. “Maybe as a cripple, maybe sold to some remote mountain village, or maybe even as a beggar… but I never imagined you’d end up living so comfortably.

“Minnie, why do you have such amazing luck? Even after being abducted, you came back unscathed. And when you returned, everyone treated you just like before.”

Mindy met her gaze evenly. “It seems like you’re really envious of me.”

Nelly let out a cold laugh. “Yes, I envy you, but I hate you even more!”

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps approached, followed by Miranda’s voice. “Mom?”

Mindy cast Nelly a deep look before turning back toward the house. “Mimi, I’m here-”

“Grandma’s been asking where you went. She’s been looking everywhere for you.”

“I just finished sorting some things; I’ll be right inside!”

Nelly stood frozen, not moving an inch. Snowflakes then fell onto her head, melting into her hair. She could feel the chill seeping from her scalp straight into her heart.

When Timothy and Sam came out of the study, Fiona was nowhere to be seen. Only Mindy remained in the living room. Nelly had also left at some point.

Even so, Timothy didn’t ask a single question.

“Dad, I’m going outside for a smoke,” Sam said, heading toward the door.

Timothy turned to Mindy, walking over to stand in front of her. His heartbeat quickened uncontrollably. “Happy Easter, Min.”

replied with a faint

gaze deep and turbulent, and the

“Finished talking with Dad?”

“I’m heading out

kitchen, “Lionel, stop for now and come out. Let’s see. our brother–in–law

to Timothy’s heart. He simply lowered his head, concealing the pain

out, hurrying from the kitchen with his hands still damp.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0830

napkin. “Here, wipe

said while taking the napkin. “The milk’s

mentioned feeling cold after returning from the garden

something warm to drink.

upstairs to fetch her a hand warmer, while Lionel had gone straight to the kitchen to make warm milk. That was why, when

said. “We’ll walk Timothy

Lionel responded with a bright

silent as

standing outside, holding a cigarette between his

“Sam,” he called.

“Dad, you’re leaving

“Yeah.”

extinguished his cigarette and

nearby and called out, “Mimi, come over here and see your cousin and