At this moment, Miranda was already on the bullet train back to Lumberville.

Her grandmother, Anna, was celebrating her 80th birthday. The three brothers of the Sutton family decided to throw a big party for her. Naturally, the younger members of the family, including Miranda, were required to return home as well.

The date had been set long ago. Given that it was a three-day affair, she had to take leave since it wasn’t a holiday.

Christine was still abroad attending an academic conference and would be away for some time. Miranda didn’t call her due to the time difference. Instead, she sent in a request for leave via email in advance.

Fortunately, Christine was quite accommodating. Not only did she grant Miranda leave, but she also asked Miranda to convey her well wishes to her grandmother.

The bullet train pulled into the station at 2:00 pm. Mindy drove the car to pick her up.

“Where’s Dad?” Miranda felt a little puzzled when she saw no one else in the car after getting in.

Mindy had a driver’s license, but she didn’t like to drive. Usually, it was Lionel who was in charge of errands like this. Why was it different today?

Mindy had a helpless look on her face. “Your dad is busy.”

“It’s Sunday, and he doesn’t have class,” Miranda replied. What could he possibly be busy with?

At this point, Mindy couldn’t stop herself from sighing. Miranda grew even more curious.

“It’s a long story… Because it was Anna’s 80th birthday and the fact that she loved a huge gathering, relatives from their hometown had started arriving two days early, even though the main event was the day after tomorrow. With over ten people, arranging accommodations became a problem.

George and Anna were currently living in the villa with their eldest son, Leonard, but the villa wasn’t very big. There were only two floors above ground and one basement, so there were only four ensuite bedrooms in total.

In addition, Leonard occasionally hosted friends in their home. What would they think if all his relatives from the countryside came to stay with him?

Anna insisted, “You all just figure it out. Anyway, Leonard can’t accommodate them here!”

She was used to being the dominant person during the family meeting. After saying that, she swept her gaze over to Harold and Lionel.

Since Leonard’s place was out of the question, it was clear that Harold and Lionel would have to pick up the burden.

Cynthia was the first to speak. “Mom, I can take in two guests.”

“Why are you even chiming in? Your small two-bedroom apartment is all decked out like a cozy nest. Who knows what kind of mess those relatives will make if they put up at your place for even one night? You may not mind, but I certainly do!”

Ever since her divorce, Cynthia had adopted the lifestyle of a refined, independent woman. She paid great attention to detail in her life, from her daily wardrobe to her posts on social media. She had decorated her home to be stylish and chic, perfect for creating social media-worthy photos.

To be honest, she wasn’t particularly eager to have a bunch of relatives she barely knew from the countryside staying over at her place. However, since Anna had spoken, she had to step up and show her willingness to help as a good daughter.

After all, she knew that Anna wouldn’t actually let her suffer the inconvenience. Sure enough, Anna let her off the hook with just a single sentence.

Now, the pressure fully shifted onto Lionel and Harold.

Lionel was about to say something when Harold’s wife, Jenny, spoke up with a smile, “Mom’s arrangement makes perfect sense, given that she’s taking care of both the eldest and the youngest. Harold and I would love to help out, but we’re just not in a position to do that…

“You see, my parents just recently gave us their home in Lakeside Jewel while they’ve moved into our old home. Although the place is already fully renovated and we don’t have to spend on renovation, we still have to purchase furniture and appliances ourselves.

“My parents have hinted that since they were still supporting me in their old age, they wondered if Harold’s family could also lend a hand in helping us financially.”

At this, Anna’s expression darkened slightly.

Jenny quickly changed her tone, “But of course, I told them it was impossible! I know full well that you’re relying on Leonard and Rena right now, so you couldn’t afford to help out with anything more.”

Hearing her explanation, Anna’s expression softened.

Jenny continued, “That’s why I would never dream of asking you for help. No matter how difficult it is, Harold and I are shouldering the costs for furniture and appliances ourselves. At this point, we are barely done furnishing the place. We simply don’t have the capacity to host anyone right now…”