Chapter 5

In contrast to Miranda, Naomi grew up in a life of ease. She was the only daughter in her wealthy family, so she naturally cultivated a bold personality. She knew Miranda and Xavier broke up "amicably", but even a stranger would've shed tears for someone who got into a car accident, let alone someone who worked seven painstaking years for him. What did Xavier do in return? He turned his back on her and found a new girlfriend. Yovanna wasn't an angel either since she was the woman he dumped Miranda for. Naomi's words were harsh and improper, and while she could act rashly, Miranda couldn't. Noticing Xavier's displeased expression, she softly uttered, "Mimi didn't mean it. I'm on a blind date with Mr. Gallagher now, so it'd be nice if you guys can excuse us, Mr. Schneider and Ms. Yates." "I'm sorry." Yovanna almost cried because of Naomi's words. She grabbed Xavier's sleeve and flushed red. "I didn't mean to disturb you. Let's go, Xavy." Xavier stayed motionless. He looked at Miranda and said, "Tell her to apologize." Miranda furrowed her brows and was ready to speak when Josh interjected with a chuckle. "Ms. Collins may have been direct, but she wasn't wrong. I suppose Mr. Schneider wouldn't pick a fight with a lady over a few words, right?" He glanced at Yovanna and tried to smooth things over. "Since this young lady has apologized and acknowledged her mistake, why don't we all take a step back and move on from this?" Josh's voice was deep and rich, his words effectively conveying that Yovanna was at fault first. Yovanna bit her lip and hung her head low. "It's my fault. Let's go, Xavy." However, Xavier spared no glance at Josh and continued staring coldly at Miranda, his tone light. "Tell Naomi to apologize, or I'll make sure her stupid studio gets acquired." Miranda couldn't help but frown. She knew Xavier wouldn't threaten her with empty words. With that said, she couldn't make Naomi apologize. Rather than standing up for right and wrong, she cherished Naomi even more when she defended her unconditionally. Not to mention, Naomi had never been the type to respond well to threats. As expected, she sneered at Xavier's words. "Oh, screw you! Do you think I'm threatened by you?" Miranda drew a sharp breath and turned to Yovanna. "I'm sorry, Ms. Yates. Mimi means no harm. I hope you and Mr. Schneider can forgive us." Yovanna waved in dismissal, appearing kind-hearted and understanding. "It's all just a misunderstanding. Xavy and I have somewhere else to be. So, have fun, you guys!" Xavier scrunched his brows, finally looking somewhat satisfied, and left with her. After seeing off Josh, Miranda sat beside Naomi, finding her words. The latter said coldly, "I know what you're about to say, but I just can't stand them, especially that jackass. You sacrificed and endured so much for him over the years." During the last seven years, Miranda had done everything she could for him, professionally and privately. She might as well take a bullet for him just to check that off the list. "It's all in the past." She lowered her eyes, her gaze indecipherable. "There's no right or wrong when it comes to who you like or don't like in relationships." Naomi piped up after a long silence. "I just think you deserve better." Miranda had never thought about what she truly deserved. To be fair, Xavier owed her nothing. She had a great future ahead, and she also had her fair share of satisfaction in bed with him. Inevitably, the harshness women faced stirred a wave of regret in Naomi. Unbeknownst to Miranda, even her delirious mother felt a sense of injustice for her. The next few days, Miranda handled her work matters while making plans to go on art gallery dates with Josh. They weren't evolving into a couple yet, but as friends, they enjoyed each other's company. Sharon, too, was delighted by their chemistry. "Although the Gallaghers aren't an aristocratic family, they do have some background and heritage. The entire family is well-mannered and well-educated. If you marry Josh, your life will surely get better. By then, you two can slowly revive the Jennings family." Miranda simply smiled in response. She knew Sharon was looking out for her, but some things couldn't be rushed. Sharon similarly saw through her thoughts and patiently advised, "I know you're reluctant that I'm urging you to get married, Mira, but don't forget how your dad died after failing to protect the family. Uncle James is ruthless, while your mother is… Do you plan to keep the state of your family like this?" Seven years ago, the Jennings family was framed and went bankrupt. Her uncle, James Jennings, took the opportunity to buy up shares at a low price. Her father, enraged, passed away, and her mother, who was short-sighted, remarried. Later, Miranda joined Schneider Corporation. Besides quietly biding her time, she also started investigating what happened that year. She wasn't blinded by love and naturally understood Sharon's meaning. "Don't worry, Aunt Sharon. I'll think about it." Sharon was finally relieved. "You should leave soon. But before you do, visit your mom. Although she's far from being a good mother, she's still your family, after all." At the thought of Meryl Snowe, her sister, Sharon couldn't help but sigh. It was truly Miranda's misfortune to have a mother like Meryl. Miranda had been busy lately and planned to visit her mother once she had spare time. Surprisingly, she ran into her at the hospital. Although the surgery went well after her car accident, the doctor emphasized the need for a follow-up checkup. The next day, she happened to be free and dropped by the hospital. While waiting in line, a sharp and cutting voice pierced through the air. "You shameless couple! Do you think you can just use my daughter like that? Dream on! Miranda was blind for spending seven years with you! "Also, this bitch was smart enough to seize the opportunity while my daughter was in the hospital. I'll give you two a lesson today!" Immediately, Miranda deduced that it was Meryl's voice. She followed the source of the sound and saw Meryl holding a kettle of boiling water, ready to splash it at Yovanna. Miranda's countenance darkened, and she instantaneously charged over to yank Yovanna away. Meanwhile, Xavier reflexively shielded Yovanna. To Miranda's dismay, her whole body collided with a nearby empty medicine shelf due to the force of gravity. She let out a muffled grunt, and the next second, the entire shelf came crashing down on her.