Miranda sighed, her tone heavy with resignation. “Do you remember Vivienne?”
Charlotte nodded, her expression sharp. “Vivienne… you mean that Vivienne? The one who loves stealing other women’s men?”
“Yes,” Miranda paused briefly before continuing, “she’s with Broad now.”
“What?!” Charlotte’s voice shot up, her face flushing with anger. “Broad and Vivienne? I’m shocked. Miranda, you must have gone through hell!”
Miranda gave a small, bitter smile but said nothing. It had only just dawned on her that someone like Vivienne had only ever approached her out of jealousy, wanting to take what she had. Meanwhile, Charlotte was the one who truly cared for her.
Charlotte wasn’t finished. Bristling with indignation, she declared, “You might be ready to let this go, but I’m not! Miranda, just wait-I’ll make sure they regret ever messing with us!”
“They’ll definitely regret it,” Miranda replied, her voice steady.
Suddenly, Charlotte’s eyes lit up as she clapped her hands together. “Oh, I just remembered! Simba recently sent me a list of companies they’ve reached out to for partnerships.”
“And guess what?” She grinned mischievously. “Broad’s company is on it.”
Her smile turned cunning. “This time, I’ll make sure your ex-husband takes a serious fall.”
After finishing lunch with Charlotte, Miranda hurried to the courthouse.
That afternoon, Judge Sonny was scheduled to meet with Winnie to ask which parent she wanted to live with.
Miranda entered the courtroom and spotted Winnie sitting across from Sonny. Her small figure sat upright, her bright eyes focused intently as she listened to the judge’s questions.
Miranda nodded politely at Sonny and quietly found a seat, holding her breath as if afraid to disrupt the conversation.
She knew that Winnie’s preferences would influence the custody decision, but she didn’t want to pressure her daughter. Miranda hoped Winnie would make her own choice.
After what felt like an eternity, the conversation finally ended. Sonny pointed in Miranda’s direction and smiled at Winnie. “Your mother is here.”
Winnie jumped down from her seat and dashed toward Miranda, throwing herself into her arms. Her voice was soft and sweet. “Mommy, I missed you so much!”
Miranda gently ran her fingers through Winnie’s hair, her voice tender. “I missed you too, sweetheart.”
As Sonny reviewed his notes, he realized there were still a few questions that needed follow-up. He gestured to Winnie. “Winnie, I need to ask you a few more things. Would that be okay?”
Miranda nodded encouragingly, looking at her daughter. “Go ahead, darling. Don’t feel any pressure.”
Winnie wrapped her arms around Miranda’s neck and whispered softly, “Mommy, I’ve already decided. I want to live with you! You look so cool when you’re skiing. I love having a cool mom.”
Miranda’s heart clenched, a rush of warmth spreading through her chest. She realized then that what children admired most was a parent who shined brightly. She had been far too worn down in the past. But now, for her daughter’s sake, she resolved to reclaim her spark.
She nodded gently. “Thank you, sweetheart.”
As if sharing a secret, Winnie added in a hushed tone, “Mommy, this is just between us, okay? Don’t tell Daddy!”
Miranda couldn’t help but laugh softly. “Okay. It’s our little secret.”
At that moment, the courtroom doors swung open again.
Broad walked in, dressed in a sharp suit, his steps steady and his face cold-just as he looked in the business world.
Miranda planned to ignore him, but Broad strode directly toward her. He tossed a newspaper onto the table in front of her. It featured a photo of her and Eric together. His tone was icy. “Care to explain?”
Miranda was taken aback. She hadn’t expected Eric to publicize their relationship in the papers. But she kept her face calm and indifferent, refusing to acknowledge Broad.
Her silence only fueled Broad’s anger. His voice grew colder. “Don’t forget, Miranda-we’re still married. Legally, you’re still my wife.”
Miranda let out a derisive laugh. “Oh, please. Don’t act like you own me!”
“I’m not joking, Miranda.”
Broad’s temper flared, and his voice rose slightly.
Sonny frowned and looked up, his tone stern. “Sir, please do not disrupt the court proceedings.”
Broad took a deep breath, forcing himself to rein in his anger. “Apologies.”
As a corporate executive, he was rarely disrespected. Yet Miranda had repeatedly pushed his limits.
Still, for Winnie’s sake, he had to control himself.
Lowering his voice, Broad leaned closer to Miranda. “I hope you’ll voluntarily give up custody. After all, only I can provide Winnie with a normal family.”
He emphasized the word “normal,” an unmistakable jab at Miranda’s past.
Miranda’s smile turned icy. “Let’s not forget-you’re the one who cheated during our marriage.”
Broad’s face darkened instantly, as though he’d been slapped. For a moment, he was completely at a loss for words.
Sonny closed his notebook, his expression serious as he addressed them. “All right, both of you. I’d like to discuss Winnie’s preferences with you directly.”
Broad and Miranda followed Sonny into his office, the door closing softly behind them.
Sitting behind his desk, Sonny looked at both of them, his gaze steady. “I’ve spoken with Winnie about her wishes.”
Both Broad and Miranda tensed, anticipation and anxiety written across their faces as they waited for Sonny to reveal the outcome.
After a brief pause, Sonny continued, “Winnie has told me, in her own words, that she would prefer to live with her mother.”
Broad’s expression shifted dramatically. “That’s impossible!”