Chapter 154

Five million dollars. To save that much, Lionel would have to work his entire life, living frugally and barely scraping by.

Kuranda felt a pang of guilt. “I haven’t been sitting idle all these years; I’ve managed to save a little.”

At that moment, Mindy, who had been silent until then, suddenly spoke up. “How did you save it?” Her gaze was sharp, with a hint of scrutiny.

Miranda sighed. It seemed Mindy had likely caught wind of some rumors.

“Mom, this money was earned legitimately. It’s clean, and I spent it without any guilt.”

That wasn’t a lie. Hansel had once defied his family for her; Richard Johnson had cut off all his bank accounts to set him straight and forbade Evelyn from offering any help. During their toughest times, they squeezed into a tiny basement of less than 100 square feet—where rain leaked in, leaving them cold but warm in spirit.

When Hansel tried to start a business and needed capital, Miranda took on odd jobs every day to save up. Eventually, she was introduced to a biotech company that made beauty products. At first, she tested their products and collaborated with the research team to provide skin-related data.

Then, one day, Miranda created a program that streamlined sample data analysis. It turned a complex task into something simple and efficient, greatly improving accuracy.

The company offered her $500,000 for the program, but she didn’t accept right away. She brought the offer to Hansel and let him handle the negotiations.

It turned out that Hansel had a knack for business; they ultimately sold the program for two million dollars. At that point, Miranda had successfully helped him make his first big break.

With that money, Hansel founded his own company, and two years later, he became an industry-rising star.

On the day of their IPO, Hansel told Miranda, “You own half the company.” That night, he presented her with a $50 million check and a land transfer contract. Their love was strong during that time, and Miranda was taken aback.

“What’s this for?” she asked.

“Now that you have money and land, you’ll be a little landlady from now on,” Hansel answered.

“I don’t want your money, and I certainly don’t want to be a landlady.” At that time, Miranda just wanted to be Mrs. Johnson and grow old with him.

But Hansel insisted, putting the items in a drawer. “Once I give something away, I don’t take it back.”

Miranda brushed it off; if he wanted to give, then let him. She wouldn’t have taken it anyway.

Chapter 1 (or perhaps a new chapter title is needed)

25 BONUS

In the years that followed, they had their share of arguments—small fights every few days and bigger blowouts every few weeks—but Miranda still never considered claiming those items. That was until she finally decided to leave him…

Now that she thought about it, if Hansel truly loved her and wanted to marry her for life, he should have given her stock when the company went public, not cash and land that could be bought outright.

The two million dollars from six years ago, along with all those years of companionship and care, made Miranda feel completely justified in accepting the $50 million check. Yet, the complexities of their relationship were something she didn’t want to bring up in front of Mindy and Lionel, fearing it would only cause them unnecessary heartache.

Mindy sensed that Miranda might be holding back some details, but since she said everything was “clean” and “without guilt,” her wealth was probably genuine.

“So… does this mean I’m moving into a villa soon?” Mindy’s only concern vanished, replaced by joy.

Miranda nodded. “They’re ready for immediate occupancy. You can move in tonight if you want. Everything else is set besides sheets, blankets, and personal clothes.”

“There’s a rock garden and a fish pond in the front yard and a gazebo in the back. Dad, you can plant whatever flowers you like.”

Lionel’s eyes sparkled. “Is it really that big?”

“You’ll see when you move in. You can even buy seeds and sod in advance.”