Broad cast a quick glance at Vivienne and asked in a low voice, “How do you know?”
“A few days ago, right after Tony threw a fit, I followed him outside to beg for another chance to work together. That’s when I overheard him on the phone with Miranda!”
Vivienne let out a cold snort, her tone growing more dramatic. “You should’ve heard how sweet they sounded, calling each other ‘baby’ nonstop!”
“You followed him?” Broad asked, frowning.
Vivienne nodded.
“Of course, darling. I knew there was something off about Miranda, so I wanted to teach her a lesson. Who would’ve thought you’d misunderstand me…”
Broad’s expression softened slightly. “I admit, I misunderstood you on this matter.”
Vivienne put on a pitiful look and said, “I just… wanted to teach Miranda a little lesson.”
Broad agreed, his tone firm. “A woman like Miranda certainly deserves to be taught a lesson!”
He paused briefly before his voice turned icy again. “But you shouldn’t have used my daughter to get back at her!”
Vivienne hurried to reassure him. “I promise, I’ll never do it again!”
Broad sighed. Every thought of his daughter, Winnie, weighed heavily on him.
In the custody battle, he had no advantage left. Furthermore, there was no longer any reason to delay the divorce. Even though his mother and grandfather disapproved, they’d have to accept it. The thought deepened the somber look in Broad’s dark eyes.
Miranda, he concluded, had been eager to find other benefactors as soon as she left him. A woman like that wasn’t worth holding onto.
He decided to meet his lawyer tomorrow and finalize the divorce date.
—
Meanwhile, at Miranda’s home, she sat on the couch, gasping for air. Despite her regular workouts, her natural physique left her at a disadvantage against Tony.
Moments earlier, she had struggled for ages but failed to shove the check into Tony’s hands.
The scene had been somewhat comical, but Miranda and Tony had been playfully roughhousing since they were kids, so neither found it unusual.
Tony tossed his head, his golden curls bouncing slightly, and a triumphant smile tugged at his lips. “See? You can’t beat me.”
Miranda exhaled deeply, trying to steady her breath. “I will return the money, no matter what it takes.”
“I just want to do something for you,” Tony said, his voice tinged with disappointment.
“Miranda, don’t you remember? When I was that chubby little kid everyone teased, you were the only one who played with me. You saved me. This money is just my way of saying thank you.”
Miranda looked up at him, her tone softening. “Tony, you don’t owe me anything. That was a long time ago.”
Tony shook his head, his voice resolute. “No, you’ve always been important to me. Think of this as a small token of my gratitude.”
—
At that moment, outside Miranda’s apartment building, a sleek Maybach rolled to a quiet stop.
Eric stepped out, his expression sharp as he adjusted his appearance in the car’s reflective windows.
A few women passing by couldn’t help but steal glances at him, whispering to each other.
“Oh my god, he’s so handsome! Imagine dating a guy like that.”
“Can’t you tell? He’s clearly dressed up to meet his girlfriend.”
“Let’s go. We don’t stand a chance.”
They giggled as they walked away.
Eric, exuding confidence, rang Miranda’s doorbell. He smoothed out his suit one last time, holding a bag of fresh organic groceries in his hand-a clear sign he’d planned a surprise.
But after a moment, the door didn’t open.
Through the door, he could faintly hear a man’s voice and the sound of light laughter inside.
“Miranda, it’s me, Eric!” he called, his voice rising slightly with unease as his fingers tapped against the doorframe.
Finally, the door opened. Miranda stood there, her face full of surprise. “Eric? What are you doing here?”
Eric frowned, his gaze drifting past her, trying to make out what was happening inside.
From behind her, Tony appeared, his face relaxed and smiling. “Hey, Eric, long time no see.”
Eric’s mood soured instantly, but he quickly composed himself, masking his irritation.
“What are you doing in my girlfriend’s place?” he asked coldly, his tone laced with hostility.
Tony shrugged, his grin widening with a hint of smugness. “Oh, come on. Don’t lie to me. I already know the truth-Miranda isn’t your girlfriend!” He drew out the last words deliberately.
Eric’s eyes flicked to Miranda, who was rubbing her temples, clearly exasperated by the sudden confrontation.
He took a deep breath, his lips curling into a confident smile. “You’re right, Tony. Miranda isn’t my girlfriend-”
He paused deliberately, locking eyes with Tony. “Because she’s already my fiancee.”