When fate plays its hand

“No need to apologize.”

After hearing such juicy gossip, the guests realized Aren didn’t see them as outsiders, so they dropped any pretense of formality. With the drama over, they happily returned to their meal.

But Susan stood there, looking stunned.

She had been standing next to Nelly earlier, so she caught every reaction. The emotions that flickered across Nelly’s face were impossible to miss–fear, panic, resentment, and hatred–too many emotions that shouldn’t have been there.

Susan couldn’t help but wonder if Nelly had something to do with Mindy’s disappearance. She had always regarded Nelly as graceful, kind, and virtuous. But now, for the first time, she questioned whether she had misjudged her.

“Mrs. Jefferson? Why are you just standing there? Let’s sit down,” one of the socialites called for her.

“…Okay. I’m coming,” Susan replied.

Evelyn and Tina were both equally stunned.

Tina had spent the entire holiday break locked away in her room and barely spoke to anyone. The maids would bring her meals, and it made her seem like a complete recluse.

It took a lot for Evelyn to convince Tina to leave the house and attend Aren’s birthday celebration. She hoped the outing would lift her daughter’s spirits.

But neither of them expected what awaited them. Instead of comfort, they were struck with a devastating blow.

“Mom…” Tina’s voice trembled as she grabbed her mother’s arm. “Please tell me this is just a dream. This can’t be real.”

Evelyn was too stunned to respond. Though the stage was empty now, her eyes remained fixed on the spot as if she were still trying to process what she had just witnessed.

“Yes, it must be a dream,” she murmured while repeating Tina’s words. She couldn’t believe Miranda was part of the Garrison family

The Garrisons weren’t just a wealthy family but an enduring symbol of prestige and influence.

Many said wealth didn’t last beyond three generations, but the Garrisons had defied that rule. Their legacy stretched back for centuries, with ancestors who held positions of power. In modern times, they built industries and stood firm during national crises.

They weren’t just rich but had a reputation for honor, tradition, and unwavering purpose. For the past 30 years, they had deliberately stayed out of the public eye and preferred to remain low–key.

A family with such history and power had no shortage of people vying for a connection, yet Miranda wasn’t just associated with them. Aren, the family head, treated her like a cherished granddaughter and held her in the highest regard.

Evelyn recalled that Easter holiday when Miranda showed up with a gift, but Evelyn hadn’t even let her in.

She said, “Happy holiday? Who do you think you are? Are you worthy to come here? Hansel might be foolish enough to fall for you, but we’re not naive.

“Do you think you can marry into the Johnsons? Who do you think you are? A socialite? The. daughter of a famous politician or businessman? Since you’re neither, stop dreaming. Don’t even think about things that don’t belong to you, or you’ll only end up hurting yourself and others.”

Miranda just looked at her calmly. She listened as Evelyn spat out all the unpleasant words. Then, she replied indifferently, “Does someone’s family background really determine their worth? My family might be ordinary, but I don’t see myself as any less than those socialites you admire so much.

“Just like how you might carry the title of Mrs. Johnson or a wealthy matron, you’re just Hansel’s mother. Even if one day you end up on the streets, become a beggar, or have to scavenge for a living, you’d still be Hansel’s mother in my eyes.”

What she meant was that Evelyn was just Hansel’s mother and nothing more.

She continued, “That’s why I came here with a gift and spoke to you respectfully.”

At the time, Evelyn only heard the part about ending up on the streets, becoming a beggar, or having to scavenge for a living. In a fit of rage, she threw Miranda out.

Hansel had wanted to chase after Miranda. But Evelyn wouldn’t allow it and threatened, ” If you step out that door, I’ll disown you!”

“Mom…” he said helplessly, stopping in his tracks. But he hadn’t gone after Miranda.

Evelyn had thought she’d won. But now, she realized how wrong she had been–and how utterly defeated she was. novelbin