Chapter 14

“I’m too busy for this nonsense,” Hansel said.

“Nonsense? You’re the one at fault! How can you be such a miser? Don’t you know misers are as despicable as rats in the gutters?” Tina retorted.

“Go bother someone else if you’re going to act crazy,” Hansel replied, wondering what she was talking about.

Tina ignored him. “Miranda has been taking care of you—at home and in the bedroom. How can you not give her an allowance? She even has to work as hired help! Won’t you be embarrassed if anyone finds out?”

Hansel paused. “Who are you talking about?”

“Miranda, of course.”

“What do you mean she’s working as hired help?”

Tina recounted what she’d seen. “You’ve gone too far this time. Even though she’s attentive, you can’t treat her like this—” Her words trailed off as Hansel stopped listening.

All he could think about was Miranda working as hired help. It seemed she hadn't dared to use the $50 million, even after cashing his check.

He loosened his tie, his expression unreadable. He’d assumed she’d managed to work things out since she’d left without hesitation. But now it seemed she could barely survive without him.

“Hansel, what are you spacing out for? It’s your turn,” Sam said, pointing to the dice in Hansel’s hand.

“I’m leaving,” Hansel said, grabbing his coat and keys.

“Weren’t you the one who suggested this meeting?” Sam asked, dumbfounded.

“Not anymore. I have other matters to attend to,” Hansel replied.

Would Miranda beg him to take her home? he wondered.

Hansel waited in his car. Aside from work calls and messages, he hadn’t received the call he expected. He decided to take action and drove to Winter’s condo.

Miranda had no one in Duncherton City. Whenever they fought, she’d gone to Winter’s. He’d picked her up from there many times, so he didn't need a navigation app to find it.

“Hansel?”

As Hansel got out of his car, Winter called his name. She was walking home, arm in arm with a young man.

“What are you doing here?” Winter asked warily.

“Where’s Miranda?” Hansel demanded.

“What do you want?”

“I’m asking you where Miranda is!” he snapped.

Hansel disliked Winter; she was bold and frivolous. He’d warned Miranda to stay away from her, fearing her influence, but Miranda had disobeyed him, worsening his opinion of Winter.

Winter refused to cooperate. “You broke up. Who are you to demand her whereabouts?”

Hansel smirked. “And how many times have we broken up? Can you even count?”

“So?”

“There’s no use stopping me from seeing her. You’re wasting your time.” He was certain Miranda would eventually beg for reconciliation.

Winter was angered by his arrogance. “Is Mimi’s dignity worth nothing to you? Do you think you can neglect her or call her back whenever you please? She’s clearly unimportant to you.”

Hansel dismissed her. “I’ll find her myself if you won’t tell me where she is.”

Marshall Gray, the young man with Winter, stepped forward. “Sir, it’s wrong to enter someone’s residence without permission.”

Hansel ignored him, glaring at Winter. He smirked and nodded. “I won’t forget this. But it’s pointless. She’ll come crawling back like an obedient lamb.”