When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0732

Early the next morning, Miranda was woken by a phone call

The sky outside was still dim. She rubbed her eyes, glanced at the clock, and saw it was barely 7.00 am Yawning, she blinked groggily, her mind still clouded with sleep.

She raised the phone to her ear, and her voice was husky from just waking up “Dad? Why are you calling this eally?”

Lionel was silent for a moment. When he spoke, his voice carried a trace of unease and uncertainty. “Mimi your grandparents have come to see us.

Miranda didn’t process it immediately. “Grandparents? What grandparents?

“Your mother’s biological parents–your real maternal grandparents.”

Miranda fioze. Her mind went blank for a few seconds before the words hit her. She sat up abruptly, unable to speak for a long moment

Finally, she jumped out of bed and said, I’m booking a ticket to come home right now.

By noon, her flight had landed in Lumberville, Miranda exited the airport and flagged down a cab. As the car approached her family home, she spotted two vehicles parked outside the villa.

One was a Bentley, and the other, a Bugatti Royale. The license plates displayed special numbers, marking them as cars owned by individuals of significant standing–far from what ordinary people could afford.

A few passing neighbors paused to glance at the scene, exchanging whispers.

Luxury cars were not uncommon, and anyone with money could own a Bentley. But a Bugatti Royale? That was a different story

Especially one with a commemorative model and a special license plate. It was likely owned by someone with significant achievements or someone who had made a major contribution to the country.

Miranda pressed her lips together, her unease growing.

When she entered, the first thing she saw was Lionel in the front garden, digging at the dirt. He crouched on the ground like a lost child, flipping the soil over and over with a trowel. There were several empty pots lying at his feet.

He wasn’t tending to the plants seriously; it looked more like he was keeping his hands busy to distract his mind from overthinking.

Miranda glanced toward the front door, which was ajar. She could hear faint voices from inside.

Her grandparents must already be here.

0

Instead of heading straight into the house, Miranda walked over to Lionel and crouched beside him.

“Dad”

Lionel froze. When he looked up and saw Miranda, it was ns though he’d found his anchor. He exhaled a deep breath, and much of the confusion in his eyes melted away. “Mimi! You’re home!”

“Where’s Mom?”

“She’s inside.”

Miranda glanced at the trowel in his hand. ‘Didn’t you say on the phone last time that you’d already repotted all the plants? Why are you at it again?”

“Well, there were a few left that I hadn’t done,” Lionel said, sounding unconvincin

Miranda saw right through him. She took the trowel from his hands, her voice gentle and soothing “Dad, Mom has found her biological parents. Aren’t you happy for her?”

Lionel waved his hands quickly. “Of course, I’m happy! Why wouldn’t I be happy?”

“But you don’t look very happy.

“I Lionel’s expression turned conflicted and awkward. “I’m not unhappy. I I’m a little scared.”

“Scared?” Miranda was surprised. “What are you afraid of?”

just… it all feels so sudden, and

“Your grandparents look so…” He hesitated, searching for the right words. After a pause, he continued, “S

extraordinary.”

“And?”

Lionel sighed. “What if they don’t approve of me as their son–in–law? What if they’ve come to take your mom away? What if… your mom decides she doesn’t want me anymore?”

After the three questions in quick succession, Miranda finally understood what was bothering

him

Lionel himself knew his thoughts were irrational, but the sudden appearance of these two distinguished- looking elders–combined with the unexpected nature of the situation–had left him feeling completely unmoored

Even now, he still hadn’t fully processed it all.