Chapter 19

Miranda had finally left; she should never return to that jerk. She shook her head. "No, I didn't."

"Thank goodness," Winter sighed in relief. "Oh, right. Are you free tonight? I need your help."

After meeting with the college's higher-ups, Tina was full of smiles. Everything had gone according to her plan, cheering her up after the setback at Christine's place.

"Come on, Mom. Get in the car," she prompted.

Frowning, Evelyn withdrew her gaze from the library. "You should go first. I have something else to do." She then called another driver to pick her up.

Tina assumed Evelyn was going to another social gathering and didn't think much of it. Unbeknownst to her, once Evelyn got into the car, she instructed the driver, "Drive me to Hansel's office."

Hansel had just left a meeting when he saw Evelyn frowning and marching toward him. Tensing up, he asked, "Mom, why are you here?"

"Why? Am I not welcome here?"

"That's not it," Hansel scratched his nose.

Evelyn snorted. Going straight to the couch, she sat down before saying, "If you can't handle your woman, I don't mind helping you."

Hansel was utterly baffled. Evelyn continued, "You should see how Miranda behaved today, and it's all because you pampered her!"

Hansel's eyes widened. "Miranda? What did she do?"

"Good question! I met her at Bedford College Library earlier. All I did was make a few comments, and that set her off! She called me mean and implied I was uneducated! Ha! As expected of someone from a humble family! She's totally ill-mannered!"

Hansel frowned. "You met her at the library?"

"Yes. Instead of staying home to prepare meals and do chores, she went to the library, pretending she was well-educated. Did she think I'd applaud her for that? How ridiculous! She even told me you two broke up and that we should treat each other like strangers from now on. How could she speak to someone older in such a tone? Does she not want to marry you anymore?"

Hansel's eyes darkened. Out of nowhere, Evelyn asked, "Have you two really broken up?"

For some reason, Hansel denied it. "How could that be?"

Evelyn snorted. "I knew it! Women like her wouldn't easily give up on a wealthy boyfriend once they've gotten their hands on one. Anyway, now you know what happened. Remember to teach her a lesson when you get home!"

Her complaints irritated Hansel. He interrupted, "Mom, stop it. I have another meeting later. I'll get someone to take you home."

"But I'm not—" Evelyn tactfully stopped when she noticed Hansel's increasing annoyance. She continued, "Alright then. I'll head back now. Don't let her off the hook that easily. You should discipline your woman. Only then will she be obedient!"

Hansel hummed in agreement. After seeing her off, he loosened his tie and sighed. He stared out the floor-to-ceiling window at the sunset. He didn't want to return to the mansion. Remembering Ingrid's birthday was coming up in a couple of days, he texted Calvin to ask for his opinion on a gift.

Calvin replied immediately: "Jewelry is a woman's best friend. A bracelet or necklace might be good enough."

Hansel texted, "I don't know how to choose. Come with me."

Calvin was puzzled. He didn't have a girlfriend; how would he know how to choose jewelry?

They decided to meet at Lans Emporium, a high-end mall. In a jewelry store, the saleswoman asked smilingly, "What are you looking for?"

Hansel replied, "A gift for my girlfriend."

"What about this necklace? Designed for young women, it features a heart design that is both low-profile and sweet."

Calvin wasn't well-versed in jewelry. After a brief glance, he looked around, disinterested. Then, he exclaimed excitedly, "Miranda?"

Hansel tensed for a second before looking around nonchalantly.

Winter was attending a business banquet that night. Busy at work, she'd asked Miranda for help collecting a custom-made accessory she'd ordered from the store. Miranda hadn't expected to run into Hansel and Calvin. She smiled at Calvin. "Cal!"

"It's been a while. Have you been busy?" Calvin glanced at Hansel before continuing, "What a coincidence! Shall we have lunch together?"