Chapter 58

After exchanging pleasantries, they remained silent for most of the journey. Paul drove his usual car, sensing Miranda's poor mood, and maintained a leisurely pace.

At the entrance to the luxury neighborhood, the security guards greeted Miranda. "Ms. Sutton, long time no see. Have you been on a business trip?"

Miranda offered a faint smile but didn't reply. Paul glanced at her profile but refrained from asking questions. They drove silently to the mansion, where Paul parked.

"Please wait. I'll be out after I get my books," Miranda said, exiting the car.

"Don't you need my help?" he asked.

Miranda shook her head. "No, I don't have many. I can manage." She walked toward the mansion.

She rang the doorbell. Martha called, "I'm coming!"

Seeing Miranda, Martha exclaimed, "Ms. Sutton! You're back!"

Miranda smiled and began, "I'm here to pick up some things—"

Hansel interrupted, "So, you've arrived?" Still in pajamas, he stood upstairs, arms crossed, a mocking smile on his face. "Did you come alone? Can you manage everything on your own?" He held a coffee cup, his gaze cold.

"Didn't you say I just needed to take them? It's none of your business whether I can carry them," Miranda replied indifferently, walking to the study.

Hansel followed. Miranda gathered the books, neatly piling them before placing them in sacks she'd prepared. Hansel watched coldly. Although Miranda was drenched in sweat and exhausted, she didn't ask for help.

After ten minutes, as she prepared to leave, dragging the sacks, Hansel erupted. Cursing, he kicked a pile of books and grabbed her shoulder. "Miranda, do you think I'm invisible? What do you take me for? You refused to return when I asked, yet you come back for a few lousy books?"

Miranda gasped, struggling. "You're hurting me! Let go!"

Hansel ignored her, his eyes bloodshot. "Answer me! Am I a dog you can summon and dismiss at will?"

"Hansel, you suggested breaking up! You often treated me like a slave! What's the matter? Can't you handle it now?"

Miranda forcefully pushed him away, unable to bear his touch. Her disgust enraged him. As he approached, she retreated, her heel catching on the couch. She fell back.

Hansel loomed over her. Miranda, flushed and sweating, unconsciously bit her lip, making it redder. Her chest rose and fell with nervous breaths.

Hansel recalled their passionate nights together. He bent to kiss her. "Mimi…"

Miranda, shocked and furious, turned away, pushing him. "Hansel! Are you crazy? We've broken up!"

Ignoring her, he pressed her onto the couch and reached for her clothes. Miranda clung to her clothing. "No, stop it! Don't do this!"

(The "Today's Bonus Offer" is unrelated and should be removed.)