Marcia stood by the window, her fingers gently brushing the surface of her phone. Broad’s attitude had disappointed her, but she was not one to give up easily. She understood all too well that Hobbs’s fragile health could not withstand any kind of shock, and Miranda was the only granddaughter-in-law he truly approved of.
If Hobbs were to find out about their divorce, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Taking a deep breath, she dialed Miranda’s number. The phone rang a few times before Miranda answered, her voice calm but distant.
“Mrs. Allen, what can I do for you?”
Marcia sighed inwardly at the cold tone but maintained her usual poise. “Miranda, I was hoping we could talk.”
“If it’s about my marriage to Broad, I don’t think there’s anything to discuss,” Miranda replied curtly.
“You know Hobbs will be undergoing surgery soon. He can’t handle any major shocks. I hope you’ll-”
“That’s not possible,” Miranda interrupted firmly, her tone leaving no room for negotiation. “Broad and I are divorced. There’s no going back. I’ve decided to move on with my life rather than living in the past.”
Marcia’s brows furrowed slightly. “Miranda, you must understand that if Hobbs finds out about the divorce-”
“Then tell him,” Miranda said calmly. “He’ll learn about it sooner or later. Hiding the truth won’t change anything.”
Marcia was silent for a moment. She knew Miranda’s personality well-once she made a decision, she rarely wavered. Resigned, she sighed and said, “Very well. I understand.”
Without another word, Miranda hung up the phone.
Miranda set her phone down and leaned back on the sofa, rubbing her temples. Once, her life had revolved around Broad. Now, she had finally let go of the past.
However, there was still the unresolved matter of her daughter’s custody.
Thinking of this, she opened her contact list and dialed another familiar number. After a few rings, a sweet, cheerful voice answered.
“Mommy!” Winnie exclaimed.
A smile tugged at Miranda’s lips. “Winnie, how have you been?”
Winnie was studying at one of the top private girls’ schools in England. Despite the distance between them, the bond between mother and daughter remained strong.
“I’m doing well!” Winnie said excitedly. “There are a few exams coming up, but I’ve prepared for them. How about you, Mommy? How are you?”
Miranda chuckled softly. “Just dealing with some minor issues, but nothing I can’t handle.”
There was a brief pause on Winnie’s end. “Mommy… I want to talk to Daddy.”
Miranda froze for a moment. Since Winnie had been away, and it wasn’t yet her break, Miranda hadn’t told her about the divorce. With exams approaching, Miranda didn’t want to burden her daughter with the news.
She exhaled quietly, regaining her composure. “Winnie, I’ve been busy with work, and your dad’s been tied up as well. If you miss him, you can give him a call later.”
There was a moment of silence before Winnie asked hesitantly, “Mommy, did you and Daddy have a fight?”
Miranda forced a lighthearted tone. “Sweetheart, everything’s fine between your dad and me. Right now, you should focus on your exams.”
Despite Miranda’s efforts, Winnie could sense something was off in her mother’s voice.
“Okay, Mommy. I’ll do my best on the exams. I love you,” Winnie said softly.
Miranda’s heart ached. She had always wanted to give her daughter a warm, loving home, but she couldn’t forgive a man who had betrayed her.
Miranda didn’t respond, instead steering the conversation toward other topics.
The two chatted for a while longer, with Miranda reminding Winnie to take care of herself and rest well. Winnie playfully promised she would.
After ending the call, Miranda felt a little lighter. Her resolve to move forward grew stronger.
The next day, Miranda arrived at a downtown cafe on time. She pushed open the glass door to find her lawyer, John, already seated by the window with a cup of black coffee in front of him.
“Miranda,” John greeted her warmly, standing up to shake her hand. “Please, have a seat.”
Once she was seated, John opened a folder and spoke in a professional, measured tone. “Your divorce proceedings are nearing completion, but there’s one matter that needs to be finalized-Winnie’s custody.”
Miranda nodded, signaling for him to continue.
John adjusted his glasses. “When determining custody, the court typically considers three factors: the child’s preference, the financial stability of the guardians, and who can provide a more stable environment for the child’s growth.”
“Financial stability isn’t an issue for me,” Miranda said calmly. Although she had put her career on hold for years, her father, a billionaire business tycoon, had ensured her financial security. Additionally, she now owned Sora Group, which left her with no financial worries.
John nodded. “That certainly works in your favor. However, the most critical factor is Winnie’s preference. If she explicitly expresses a desire to live with you, the court is likely to award you custody.”
Miranda frowned slightly. “What if Broad contests custody?”
John paused thoughtfully. “Broad is also financially stable and can offer excellent education and living conditions. Ultimately, though, the decision hinges on Winnie’s choice. If she firmly chooses you, your chances of winning are high.”
Miranda felt reassured but remained resolute. “No matter what, I won’t let Broad take Winnie away from me.”
John smiled faintly. “Then the key is ensuring Winnie clearly states her preference. At the right moment, you can arrange for her to speak with the judge. That will be decisive.”
Miranda nodded slowly, though unease lingered in her heart.
On one hand, Winnie was still unaware of the divorce. On the other, Miranda wasn’t sure whether her daughter would choose her.
While Broad had failed as a husband, he was undeniably a dedicated and loving father.
Miranda had a feeling this divorce would be far more complicated than she had anticipated.