Chapter 7

Before Yovanna could stray afar, Xavier had caught up to her. He gripped her wrist, his face dark as he pulled her into his embrace. His low and husky voice rang. "What's with you?" His tone did not hint at reprimand but sounded like consolation instead. Yovanna remained silent and didn't struggle out of his embrace. Her appearance exuded innocence as always. At that moment, her reddened, teary eyes and flushed nose made her look even more pitiful. Xavier frowned and began to feel sorry for her. He lifted her chin, looked into her eyes, and patiently asked, "Why are you upset?" His softened tone made her feel even more aggrieved. She pouted and lowered her head, asking, "Xavy, are you upset that I'm trying to set up Miranda and Chadwick?" Yovanna was aware of Xavier's history with Miranda. Logically speaking, she wouldn't be surprised by who he had dated because he was influential and capable. She was more educated than Miranda, came from a better family than her, and had a personality Xavier adored. So, why should she be bothered by a woman who could be barely considered his ex? Nevertheless, she still felt insecure. Xavier was the heir of Schneider Corporation, and despite his reserved love for her, many women would throw themselves at him. Besides, it would bring her reassurance if Chadwick and Miranda could date, seeing how into her he was. To her utter surprise, Xavier was unwilling to let that happen. She was still a young girl, after all, and her subtle thoughts went unnoticed by him. "You think I'm still into Miranda?" His face was cold. Yovanna contemplated briefly. With reddened eyes, she softly uttered, "Actually, Ms. Jennings is indeed a better fit for you than I am. In order to be with you, I've been trying my best to understand you. But obviously, Ms. Jennings knows you better than I do. "She's more independent, more resilient…" "Is that what you really think?" Xavier released his grip and gazed indifferently at her. Holding back her tears, Yovanna kept silent. "I'm looking for a wife, not a capable executive at Schneider Corp. Chadwick has a fiancée, and if Miranda interferes with that marriage alliance, the company will only get dragged into the mess." Xavier's demeanor turned cold. "But if you think you can't fulfill that role, let's stop seeing each other from now on." He turned around and left. By the time Yovanna realized what he was insinuating and snapped back to reality, she felt as if her body had plunged into an ice cellar. Biting her lip, she began weeping as she recalled the indifference on his face earlier. After a brief hesitation, she called a cab and returned to campus. Xavier was in a terrible mood. He exited the hospital and soon bumped into Chadwick. They ended up going out for a drink. At the bar, Chadwick downed two glasses of alcohol and asked with intrigue, "What would you say if I pursue Miranda, Vee?" Xavier froze briefly, but his voice came out indifferent. "How do you plan to explain to the Ford family?" "You know how families like ours are; we're all playing along with the facade. I'm sure the Fords wouldn't mind." Chadwick licked his lips and said leisurely, "Of course, someone like Miranda can never marry into my family. But I sure as hell can have fun with her…" "Get your ass home if you're drunk, and stop spewing nonsense." Xavier stared at him with narrowed eyes, his voice tinged with warning. Chadwick, who basically grew up with him, quickly sensed the dissatisfaction in his tone. Despite that, he didn't back down. "Vee…" he asked meaningfully, "You're not still into Ms. Jennings, are you?" "I'm not," Xavier casually replied, and as if reminded of something, his gaze turned cold. "But Miranda will never be the object of your amusement." She was a stubborn and unyielding woman, after all. Chadwick sighed faintly. When he recalled Miranda's words at the hospital, he felt a flutter in his heart. "I don't have another seven years to spend, Mr. Grant. It's important that we accept reality. I already have someone in mind as a potential marriage partner, and we're getting to know each other. Frankly, it's been hard to find a decent man like him. So, I hope you won't screw this up for me, please." Miranda seemed particularly serious when conveying those words. Those eyes, accustomed to schemes and deceptions, were purer than the first snow and calmer than still waters. The peace in her gaze resembled the stillness after a firework had bloomed and faded. Yet, for some reason, a wave of emotion stirred in his chest. On the third day, Sharon and Naomi finally discovered the news of Miranda's hospitalization. Coincidentally, when Naomi visited Miranda, Sharon called and started ranting about Meryl over the phone. "All she ever does is cause trouble for us, and she's never once considered you! If the Andersons hadn't called to tell me how the Schneiders blocked two contracts from them, I would've never known how bold your mother has become!" The Andersons were the family Meryl remarried into. When the Jenningses went bankrupt, and Miranda's father passed away, Meryl didn't take long before hooking up with another man and abandoning her daughter to marry him. She was a timid woman who craved comfort and luxury. Now that she had caused such a mess, she had naturally turned tail and run. In the end, the Anderson family became the ones left holding the bag. After ending the call, Naomi reminded Miranda, "Your mom might have looked like she defended you, but it's more likely that she tried to extort money from Xavier. Don't go cleaning after her messes, and stay away from that shameless couple!" Naomi genuinely detested Yovanna, never mind a scumbag like Xavier. "I got it." Miranda had no plans to interfere with the Anderson family's affairs. Since Meryl abandoned her and married into that family, she was no longer her family in Miranda's eyes. Sensing her downcast mood, Naomi gloated about the latest gossip she heard. "Did you know Xavier and Yovanna had a fight? I heard he looked terrible for the last couple of days. I think she tried to meet up with him a few times. I wonder if they've made up." Indeed, the couple had a fight, but they made up as quickly as a flash. When Miranda returned to the company, she bumped into Yovanna, who was seeking Xavier. The former handed in the latest report and was ready to leave, but the latter halted her. "Ms. Jennings, you're out of the hospital." Yovanna waved at her with twinkling eyes. "You're here just in time." After a moment of hesitation, Miranda approached her and politely greeted, "Ms. Yates." Yovanna, with a sparkle in her eyes, took out two necklaces. She gazed at the jewelry on the table with a mix of frustration and sweetness and then complained, "Thank goodness you're here, Ms. Jennings. Can you choose a necklace for me?" "Mrs. Schneider has invited me to a dinner party. I like this particular one, but Xavier kept saying this other one is better." On the coffee table, two necklaces of considerable value caught her eye. Miranda stared at one of the diamond necklaces and suddenly froze in place.