Mr. CEO, Your Ex-Wife Is Absolutely Killing It in the Research World!

For six years after their marriage, Miranda Stone devoted herself wholeheartedly to being Mrs. Gibson. She only found out later that while he was abroad, Felix Gibson had been secretly keeping his first love by his side. Miranda had once believed that even the coldest heart would eventually warm if she just loved hard enough. But that belief shattered the day his beloved first love won an international award and threw a lavish celebration—while their daughter was being wheeled into a freezing cold operating room. That was the moment Miranda finally woke up. She took back her worthless love, filed for divorce, and walked away with her daughter without ever looking back. Once she picked up her career again, the woman who used to be a stay-at-home wife transformed into one of the most sought-after experts in the medical field. Her research papers were published in top international journals. Her breakthroughs won prestigious awards across countries. When she stepped back into the spotlight, glowing with confidence and ready to give herself another chance at happiness, the man who had always held himself above everyone else—so composed and restrained—finally broke. He lost it completely. His eyes were bloodshot, his voice hoarse with desperation. He dropped to his knees in front of her, pleading like a man who had lost everything. “Mira, please don’t leave me.” Chapter 1 As a storm raged through the night in Atlantis City, Miranda Stone dialed her husband Felix Gibson’s number. The call went through, but no one answered. In her arms, their daughter, Mia Gibson, burned with a 104-degree fever. Delirious and barely conscious, she kept crying out, “Daddy… Daddy… I want Daddy…” Holding her tightly, Miranda rushed downstairs and turned to their housekeeper. “Mrs. Young, we’re going to the hospital.” “Should we wait for Mr. Gibson to come home?” Mrs. Young asked. “There’s no need.” Tonight was his first love’s birthday. He wasn’t coming home. Miranda’s heart felt even colder than the storm outside. Her daughter lay burning in her arms, cheeks flushed red with fever, letting out faint, pained whimpers. Meanwhile, her father was off celebrating with another woman. As they sped toward the hospital, the rain poured harder. Miranda, frantic over Mia’s condition, pressed down on the gas. Suddenly, a car sped past from the opposite lane. Miranda flicked her hazard lights and swerved to warn them, but the other car kept barreling forward. She quickly turned the wheel, and the car slammed into the concrete barrier. In the back seat, Mrs. Young clutched the child tightly and let out a scream. Miranda managed to hit the brakes in time. The front of the car had only struck a short pillar, not hard enough to cause major damage. But in that moment, she broke down completely. Her tears poured without restraint. Years of heartache and silent suffering came crashing down all at once. From the back seat, seeing her curled over the steering wheel, shaking with helpless sobs, Mrs. Young called out in distress, “Ma’am! Ma’am, we still need to get to the hospital! Mia’s burning up even more!” Snapped back to reality by those words, Miranda wiped her face, reversed the car, and drove to the hospital. At the ER, she jumped out with Mia in her arms. When the nurse tried to prick Mia’s finger for blood work, she cried and thrashed in fear. Miranda held her down firmly. As Mia screamed in agony, Miranda felt like her heart was being torn apart. The diagnosis revealed multiple viral infections. At least seven virulent strains were present, and the chest CT showed extensive whiteout in both lungs. “Her condition is very serious right now. We recommend performing a lung lavage procedure,” the doctor said solemnly. Mrs. Young was startled. “What? She’s so young. Is it even safe to do something like that?” Miranda took the CT scan from the doctor and studied it carefully. The doctor blinked, surprised. “You… you can read this?” She nodded without hesitation. “Once her fever comes down, please schedule the procedure.” Mrs. Young hesitated, then asked softly, “Ma’am, shouldn’t you at least talk to Mr. Gibson about this?” Miranda looked down at Mia’s burning face and gently brushed her damp forehead. “No,” she said firmly. Her voice held no hesitation. In that moment, it felt like she had finally made up her mind about something far more important. * Three days later, Miranda sat beside Mia’s hospital bed. The lung lavage had been completed. Mia’s face was still pale and weak as she slept soundly. Just then, Miranda’s phone lit up with a message: “What is it?” Just three words—cold, dismissive, and full of arrogance. Miranda looked at the screen, then put her phone down without replying. In the break room, Mrs. Young’s phone rang. She glanced at the screen and quickly picked up. “Hello? Mr. Gibson?” “Did something happen at home?” Mrs. Young froze. “No… no, nothing, sir. Are you back in the country?” “Yes.” “Alright then, don’t worry. Everything’s fine at home.” After the call ended, Mrs. Young muttered to herself, “Why won’t she let me tell him what’s been going on these past two days? He’s clearly back in the country.” Miranda held Mia’s hand. Her own eyes were red from exhaustion, and she finally allowed them to close but sleep wouldn’t come. Just then, Mia stirred as if trapped in a nightmare. She reached out with a frightened hand, mumbling, “Daddy… Aunt Xena… I’m scared… I’m scared…” Miranda gently clasped her hand and whispered, “Mommy’s here.” Mia jolted awake, trembling with fear. The moment she saw Miranda, she twisted away in frustration. “I don’t want Mommy! I want Aunt Xena!” Miranda swallowed her tears and softly patted Mia’s back, helping her drift off again. * On the seventh day, Miranda carried Mia home from the hospital. That was when her body finally gave out. She asked Mrs. Young to keep an eye on Mia for a while, then headed upstairs to sleep for an hour. When she woke and came back down, Mrs. Young looked flustered. “Ma’am… you’re awake. Mr. Gibson came home earlier. He took Mia out for dinner.” Miranda’s throat tightened. Without a word, she turned and went back to her room. Downstairs, Mrs. Young let out a long sigh. “With a husband by her side, she shouldn’t have to live this way,” she thought. Upstairs, Miranda picked up her phone and dialed Felix’s number. The call went through. A woman’s cheerful voice answered, “Felix is in the restroom with Mia. Do you need something?” Miranda’s breath caught in her chest. Her lips trembled before she quietly ended the call. She closed her eyes. The man she had once married against her father’s wishes—the man she had given up her education for—had left her utterly defeated. She thought back to her wedding day. Her father had quietly asked her, “Will you regret this one day?” Beaming with happiness, she had promised, “Dad, don’t worry. I won’t regret it.” And so, without hesitation, she gave up school and stepped into marriage. Two years ago, Miranda discovered that Mia had been hiding in Felix’s room, secretly talking on the phone with Xena Spencer—his beloved first love. The way they spoke, it was as if they were mother and daughter. It was on that drive to the hospital with Mia that Miranda finally saw things clearly. She regretted this marriage. And she knew it was time to end it. No matter how much love one poured into a one-sided marriage, it would always fall apart. From now on, she would devote the rest of her life to loving herself. Just then, her phone buzzed. It was a new email notification. Miranda stood and walked up to the study on the third floor. She opened her laptop and clicked on the email. It was from the Department of Medical Research at a world-renowned medical university. She closed her eyes and whispered, “Dad… you were right. Thank you for giving me a way out.” In her mind, she could still hear his final words before he passed: “My daughter is not allowed to become a nobody. You must be my pride. Even if you get married, never give up on your education.” For six years, Miranda had quietly stayed the course. Without telling anyone, she had followed the academic path her father set for her. And now, she had finally made it. Chapter 2 At 8:00 p.m., Felix walked through the door, holding Mia’s hand. Miranda looked up to see her daughter skipping in, her twin braids bouncing, a new pink bunny plush clutched in her arms. As Miranda stepped forward, wanting to hug her, Mia suddenly pushed her away with both hands, pouting. “Hmph. I don’t want Mommy to hold me.” Miranda froze, her arms still halfway outstretched. Felix crouched down beside Mia, his voice gentle. “Mia.” Mia’s lips trembled as she turned away and buried herself in Felix’s arms, eyes turning red with frustration and tears. A sharp bitterness twisted in Miranda’s chest. Her five-year-old daughter had been quietly influenced and almost brainwashed by Xena for three years. That was her fault. She didn’t blame Mia. Swallowing hard, Miranda turned to Mrs. Young. “Please get Mia ready for a bath later.” “Yes, ma’am,” Mrs. Young replied. The moment Miranda walked away, laughter echoed from the living room—Mia’s joyful giggles blending with Felix’s low, affectionate voice. The media often described Felix as a daughter-obsessed father, and Miranda didn’t disagree. If there was anyone Felix loved more than anything else in the world, it was undoubtedly their daughter. Leaning against the doorframe, Miranda drifted into memory. Eight years ago, Felix was in a terrible car accident. He fell into a coma and remained unconscious at her father’s hospital for a year. At the time, Miranda had been secretly in love with him. Without hesitation, she took a year off from school to care for him. When he finally woke up, she confessed her feelings. Despite his mother’s strong opposition, Felix chose to marry her. A year later, their daughter was born. For a time, it seemed like their life would be complete. But when Mia turned two, Felix began traveling abroad more and more, and at the same time, their daughter started showing an unexplained resistance toward her. It took Miranda two full years to realize another woman had stepped in and started acting as Mia’s mother. Xena Spencer—an internationally acclaimed pianist, a prodigy in the arts, and the woman Felix had never stopped loving. Today, she was also the “Aunt Xena” that Mia adored and idolized. Felix never admitted he regretted marrying Miranda. But the way he had acted these past two years made his feelings painfully clear. Miranda went downstairs to grab a glass of water. As she turned the corner, she overheard Felix on the phone. “Yeah, I know. I’ll remind her to brush her teeth. “Make sure you put ointment on your finger. Follow the doctor’s instructions. Don’t be stubborn.” Miranda let out a quiet scoff. He was talking to Xena. It wasn’t hard to guess Mia had dinner with her tonight—and probably something sweet again. Treats were Xena’s go-to trick for winning Mia over. And Felix? He let it happen. He never once stepped in. “Go to bed early. Don’t stay up too late. I’m hanging up.” Felix ended the call and turned to head downstairs. That was when he saw Miranda standing there. For a brief moment, his face froze. “You stay with Mia tonight. I’ve got a video conference. It might run late.” He glanced at the calendar and frowned slightly. “It’s the eighth.” “I’ll come to your room after the meeting,” he said flatly as he walked away. The eighth. One of their “designated nights.” There had been a time when Miranda, feeling hurt and neglected, had tearfully demanded they at least maintain some semblance of a marriage. In response, Felix agreed to her request for intimacy—four times a month, on specific dates: the 1st, 8th, 16th, and 26th. If he was home, he had to fulfill his duties as a husband. “I'm tired tonight. Let’s do it another day,” Miranda called after him as Felix walked downstairs. Later that evening, Mrs. Young brought Mia into the bedroom after her bath. Miranda sat waiting with her daughter’s favorite picture book in hand. “Mia, come here. Mommy will read you a story,” Miranda said with a warm smile. Mia looked up at Mrs. Young instead. “Mrs. Young, I want my little dinosaur.” “Alright, I’ll go get it,” Mrs. Young replied as she stepped out of the room. Miranda patiently waited for her daughter to come over. Mia hugged her stuffed dinosaur and crawled up beside her. It was a gift from Xena, brought back from abroad for Mia’s fourth birthday. Now it was her bedtime buddy, the one she never slept without. Under the soft light, freshly bathed, Mia smelled sweet and clean, her whole little body warm and soft. Miranda couldn’t resist planting a gentle kiss on her daughter’s head. But Mia suddenly pulled away. “I don’t want Mommy to kiss me.” Miranda froze, a sharp ache piercing her chest. “Mia…” “You’re never with me! You don’t buy me treats, and you don’t even like me! So I don’t like you either!” Mia crossed her arms and pouted. Miranda’s heart tightened. She reached out, wanting to comfort her. But Mia only grew more upset. As if a dam had burst, she broke into tears and cried, “Daddy! I want Daddy! I want Daddy to sleep with me!” Moments later, Felix appeared at the door. Mia immediately jumped up and ran into his arms. Felix scooped her up gently. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?” “I want to sleep with Daddy. I don’t want to sleep with Mommy,” Mia whimpered, snuggling deeper into his embrace. Felix stroked her hair and chuckled softly. “Then Daddy will sleep with both of you tonight.” Mia nodded eagerly in agreement. Miranda shifted to the side, making space for the two of them. Only then did Mia finally settle down and crawl under the covers. Felix lay on the other side and extended his arm, letting Mia curl up in the crook of it. His arm was long, and as he moved, his fingers brushed against Miranda’s shoulder. She tensed and instinctively shifted closer to the edge of the bed. Mia let out a few soft murmurs and closed her eyes, snuggling deeper into Felix’s warm embrace. Miranda closed her eyes too, silently waiting for Felix to leave. About twenty minutes later, Mia was fast asleep. Felix slowly slid his arm out from under her, gently tucked the blanket around her, then leaned down to kiss her on the forehead. Miranda knew his routine. Whenever they slept in the same bed, he would usually kiss her too. This time, she turned away and gave him her back. Only when she heard his footsteps fade down the hall did she finally roll over and pull Mia into her arms. Mia’s hand reached out, just like when she was a baby, gently touching Miranda’s cheek in search of comfort. Her soft, round face nuzzled into Miranda’s chest. Miranda pressed her forehead to Mia’s. This was her flesh and blood. The baby she had carried for nine months. Her everything. In this broken marriage, there was only one thing Miranda wanted to take with her—her daughter. If Xena wanted the title of Mrs. Gibson, she could have it. But if she thought she could take Mia too, Miranda would never allow it. Chapter 3 The next morning, Miranda put on her makeup and waited by the bed with Mia’s favorite little dress in hand. When Mia opened her eyes and was met with her mother’s gentle smile, she looked slightly unsure. She turned over and curled up like a kitten, burying her face in the pillow. “Sweetheart, do you want to wear your pretty little dress today?” Miranda asked with a soft smile. Mia flipped onto her back and glanced at the pink princess dress. She nodded eagerly. “Yes!” Miranda carried her beautifully dressed daughter downstairs. Felix was already waiting on the living room sofa. It had become his daily routine to take Mia to school before heading to the office. “Daddy, do I look pretty?” Mia asked as she twirled happily in front of him. Felix looked at her with unmistakable affection in his eyes. “Yes,” he said without hesitation. “You look beautiful.” He picked her up, and Miranda took the backpack from Mrs. Young before heading out with them. The school was nearby, just outside the gates of their villa community. It was one of the most expensive private kindergartens in all of Atlantis City. Once they arrived, Mia hopped out of the car. Miranda walked her to the entrance, adjusted her backpack, and asked with a smile, “I’ll come pick you up early this afternoon. Want to bake a cake together?” Mia beamed and nodded excitedly. After greeting the principal and teachers, she walked into the school with a bounce in her step. Miranda watched her daughter disappear inside, eyes filled with tenderness. Then she turned and looked toward the car. Felix was still seated behind the wheel. He looked as steady and composed as ever—charming and poised. But his eyes, like a winter night, always held a cold, distant chill. “I’ll walk home. You go on to work,” Miranda said as she approached his side of the car. Felix pressed his lips together and turned the steering wheel with graceful ease. The black Rolls-Royce pulled away and disappeared into traffic. Miranda stood there, watching the car go. After all these years of marriage, she still didn’t really understand him. Even though she had known all these years that what he felt for her was gratitude, not love, she had still waited foolishly. She had waited for him to love her. And that wait had lasted six years. But Miranda no longer blamed anyone else. She blamed herself for choosing the wrong person and she was ready to accept the consequences. When she arrived home, Mrs. Young came up to her. “Ma’am, what would you like for breakfast?” “Two boiled eggs and half a corn cob,” Miranda replied calmly. Mrs. Young paused for a moment, then headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. “Something about her expression seemed different today. It seems colder than usual,” she thought. And last night, there hadn’t been a single argument between her and Felix. Normally, if he didn’t come home for weeks, she would be visibly upset. But this time, even after something as serious as Mia being hospitalized for a lung procedure, she hadn’t said a word. Upstairs in the third-floor study, Miranda sat deep in thought. Just a month ago, she had taken the stage as the top graduate at a major medical forum in Merika. Her speech had already drawn attention from more than a hundred of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. All she had to do was say yes, and she would gain access to the best research labs and billions in investment. But she had never shared any of this. At home, and in the eyes of the world, she was just a housewife in a gilded cage, dismissed as someone with nothing to offer. And then there was her husband, Felix Gibson. At eighteen, he had already become a star consultant on Wall Street. By twenty-three, he had taken over the company and made a name for himself as a ruthless legend in the investment world. In just four years, he had climbed to the very top of the national wealth rankings. Just then, Miranda’s phone buzzed with a message from her close friend, Sophie Shaw, a lawyer. “Mira, I was out having lunch with a client today. Guess who I ran into?” Three photos followed. In the pictures, Felix was seated in a private room, entertaining a group of foreign clients. And right beside him, dressed to impress, was Xena. She wore a form-fitting silk dress, elegant and seductive. In the third photo, she was laughing, her expression playful and captivating. Felix, meanwhile, had his gaze fixed on her, calm and focused—like a picture-perfect couple. “Mira, don’t overthink it. Don’t let this get to you,” Sophie added. “I won’t,” Miranda replied. To Felix, she had always been the wife he couldn’t show off. But Xena—she was a woman he could display proudly. An internationally renowned pianist. A darling of the fashion world. A brand ambassador for top jewelry houses. Every part of her image added to Felix’s prestige. By 3:30 p.m., Miranda was already parked outside Mia’s school, determined to be the first one to pick up her daughter. Around 4:00 p.m., a red Ferrari pulled up and stopped across from her. Miranda’s grip tightened on the steering wheel. It was Xena. She was in the driver’s seat, reapplying her makeup. Clearly, she had arrived early on purpose, waiting to meet Felix when he came to pick up Mia. A woman who could hold onto Felix’s heart for this long had to be clever and calculated. For the past two years, Miranda had never once confronted her face-to-face. Even when she lost her temper, she kept it in check, thinking that maybe Felix would return to their family. But reality had only proved otherwise. The more she held back, the more reckless they became. This time, Miranda wasn’t going to shrink back and stay silent. She opened the car door and stepped out first, her eyes cold as she looked toward Xena’s car. Xena spotted Miranda and froze for a second. “So it’s not Felix picking Mia up today,” she silently remarked. When she noticed Miranda’s gaze locked on her, Xena smiled confidently. She stepped out of the car with elegance and began walking over. Miranda’s fists clenched as she stared at that face with unmistakable disgust. Xena smiled sweetly. “Hello, Miss Stone. I’m sure you know who I am by now. Let me formally introduce myself. I’m Xena Spencer, Felix’s close friend.” “I don’t care who you are,” Miranda said flatly. “Just stay away from my daughter.” Xena raised her eyebrows, then suddenly chuckled. “Miranda, do you really think just because I like your husband, that makes me the villain here?” Miranda didn’t even bother responding. Xena scoffed. “Well, what if I told you the man I love was stolen by another woman and forced into marriage? Wouldn’t that make you just as awful?” Miranda looked her dead in the eye and remarked coldly, “Saying something that shameless like it’s perfectly justified? You really are one of a kind.” Xena’s fingers brushed lightly over the necklace at her throat. Miranda’s gaze followed. Dangling boldly from her neck was a striking sapphire necklace. Xena didn’t need to say a word. Miranda already knew it was from Felix. After all, he had been with her these past two weeks. At that moment, the school gates opened. Without saying another word, Miranda turned and walked briskly toward the entrance. Behind her, Xena watched her go with a faint smirk. But in her eyes, there was clear disdain. Chapter 4 Miranda was the first parent to arrive at the classroom that afternoon. She had dressed up with care, making Mia beam with pride as she came skipping out, backpack in hand. “This is my mommy!” she announced happily to her classmates. Miranda smiled and scooped her up. “You did great today, sweetie.” Back home, Mia had already asked Mrs. Young to prepare all the ingredients for cookies and cake. She trailed after Miranda, excited to watch her mom bake. The smell of almond cookies soon filled the living room, warm and sweet. “I want a cookie!” Mia clapped her hands eagerly. “They’ll be ready soon,” Miranda said with a laugh, then deliberately dabbed a little flour on her own cheek. Mia spotted it right away. She didn’t say anything at first and just ran off to grab a tissue. Then she tugged at Miranda’s sleeve. “Mommy, there’s flour on your face. I’ll wipe it off for you.” Miranda bent down, pretending to be surprised. “Oh, really?” As Mia carefully wiped her face, Miranda’s eyes misted over. “My daughter really is such a kind, thoughtful child,” she thought. When Mia was done, she looked up proudly. “Did I do a good job?” “You were amazing,” Miranda said sincerely. She used only the best ingredients to bake the cake, keeping sugar levels low for a healthier treat. Soon, the little cake was done. It was nearly 6:30 p.m., and the sky outside had begun to darken. Mia glanced toward the window and pouted. “Why isn’t Daddy home yet?” Miranda had a feeling Felix wouldn’t be coming back that night. After the confrontation at school with Xena, she figured he was probably with her instead. Just then, the phone rang. Mrs. Young answered. “Yes, of course. I’ll let her know,” she said, then turned to Miranda. “Ma’am, Mr. Gibson said he won’t be home for dinner. He has a meeting.” Miranda nodded. “Then it’ll just be the three of us tonight.” From now on, she wasn’t going to let anyone ruin her time with her daughter. After dinner, Miranda and Mia played soccer on the grass outside. Miranda even faked a fall. Mia ran over at once, eyes wide with worry. Miranda limped playfully, but all she saw in her daughter’s eyes was pure concern. Her heart softened. She felt moved beyond words. That night, after bath time, Mia was so worn out that she fell asleep on her own by 9:30 p.m. Miranda quietly closed the door behind her and let out a soft sigh. With the house finally quiet, she stepped into the study next door and began drafting a research proposal for her latest project. It was something she had been quietly working on for years. She was grateful she had never given up. But over the years, in her effort to be a good wife, and out of fear of how Felix might react, she had kept many things from him. Beneath the warm glow of the desk lamp, Miranda looked calm and composed. There was a quiet strength in her eyes. She wasn’t going to hide anymore. Her father, Dr. Eugene Stone, had been one of the country’s most respected medical scholars. Before his death, he had mentored many of the field’s top researchers and dreamed of one day founding a lab to complete the unfinished work he had started. After closing her laptop, Miranda rubbed her temples and got ready to head back to the bedroom to sleep next to Mia. It was just past midnight. Unable to sleep, Miranda suddenly heard the sound of the front door opening. Felix was home. In the past, whenever he came home late, Miranda would get up to greet him. If he had been drinking, she would quickly make him a tea to sober up. If he was just tired, she would warm up a glass of milk to help him sleep. Marriage had taught her many skills—cooking, cleaning, reading someone’s mood. Eventually, she had trained herself into a thankless housekeeper who served without complaint. Footsteps approached the bedroom. Miranda quickly shut her eyes. The door opened, and Felix appeared at her bedside. The air carried the faint scent of alcohol and the soft, familiar perfume Xena always wore. Felix leaned over to tuck the blanket around Mia and gave her a gentle kiss. Miranda kept her eyes closed, but she couldn’t avoid the kiss that brushed against her forehead. The warmth of his lips made her whole body tense. As soon as Felix left the room, Miranda sat up and grabbed a wet wipe, scrubbing the spot where he had kissed her. She felt dirty. He had just come from another woman’s bed. Over the next three days, Miranda and Mia began to grow close again. After all, she had raised Mia since birth, held her close through every milestone. Mia’s love hadn’t disappeared. It had only been displaced. With patience and warmth, Miranda believed she could earn back that trust and dependence. By Friday afternoon, Miranda had been working on her research proposal all morning. Feeling thirsty, she headed downstairs—only to see Felix coming up. She had come down from the third floor. They locked eyes for a moment before she brushed past him and went downstairs to make some tea. “Still mad?” Felix asked, a trace of irritation in his voice. Miranda paused and turned to him. “Mad about what?” “Never mind.” He waved it off and continued upstairs. Miranda frowned. Lately, she had been forgetting a lot about their past fights. Then it came back to her. Two weeks ago, in a fit of frustration, she had torn up Felix’s passport to stop him from taking Xena on a holiday abroad. They didn’t speak for a week afterward. Eventually, Miranda had crept into his bedroom after Mia fell asleep and tried to repair things by initiating intimacy. That was what he meant just now. But Miranda knew, no matter how she tried to stop him, Felix would still take Mia overseas to spend Christmas with Xena. Just then, Miranda’s phone rang, pulling her out of her thoughts. She answered with a smile, “Hi, Lucas.” “Mira, I finished reading your paper. It’s absolutely incredible. I can’t wait to sit down and talk with you about it,” came the excited voice on the other end. “Thank you for saying that.” “Are you free in the next couple of days? I’d love to meet up.” “Can I check my schedule and get back to you?” “Sure. Just let me know when you’re free.” After hanging up, Miranda carried her teacup upstairs. She checked the time on her watch. She didn’t want to be late picking Mia up from school. Felix had come home past midnight last night, so he was likely still asleep. Miranda didn’t plan to disturb him. But on the second-floor landing, she heard his voice. He was on the phone. “I’m flying out next Monday. Yeah, I’ll bring Mia with me. “If there’s anything you want, just say the word.” Miranda instinctively stepped back into the hallway, staying out of sight. As he walked toward his room, his voice drifted back through the silence. “I’ll give you everything you ask for.” Chapter 5 A sharp pain pierced Miranda’s chest. She kept telling herself she didn’t care anymore, but the anger was still there. This time, she wasn’t going to let Mia go abroad with them. She wouldn’t give Xena the chance to get close to her daughter or twist her thoughts. That evening, Felix stayed home for dinner. While Mia clung to him, Miranda kept her distance. After dinner, around 8:30 p.m., she took a shower. When she came out and couldn’t find Mia, she followed the sound of her voice to Felix’s room. She was just about to push the door open when she heard Mia’s cheerful voice. “Aunt Xena, did you already leave the country?” “Yeah, I just arrived today. I really wish you could’ve come with me!” “We’ll see each other soon! Daddy said he’s bringing me to visit you in a few days!” “Then I’ll get your gifts ready—lots of pretty Christmas dresses!” “I want lots of princess dresses. And a shiny crown too!” “Of course. I’ll prepare everything in advance. I even ordered your favorite whipped cream cake.” Xena’s doting voice floated through the door. Miranda stood frozen behind it, listening silently until the call ended. “Alright, we’ll talk soon,” Felix said. “I’ll be waiting!” Xena replied. “Bye, Mia! Love you!” she added in fluent Danesian. “I love you too!” Mia echoed in sweet, perfect Danesian. The closeness in their exchange hit Miranda like a blade to the chest. She could barely breathe. She opened the door with a composed smile. “Mia.” “Mommy! Daddy and I are going on a trip soon. Do you want to come too?” Mia looked up earnestly, eyes full of hope. In her heart, she simply wanted everyone who loved her to be there with her. “Mia, can Mommy talk to Daddy for a bit? Why don’t you go play in the toy room?” Miranda gently stroked her daughter’s hair. Mia nodded obediently. “Okay!” As she ran out, Mrs. Young called from the hallway, “Mia, I’ve cut up some fruit—come have a snack!” Miranda quietly closed the door behind her. Under the chandelier, Felix lounged on the sofa, his tie already loosened and shirt unbuttoned halfway down. A faint smear of strawberry jam—probably from dinner with Mia—still clung to his shirt. “We need to talk,” Miranda said, breaking the silence. Felix looked up. It was clear he had been waiting for her to say something. “I don’t think you should take Mia abroad this time,” she said. “If you want to visit your mother and grandmother for Christmas, that’s fine. But I want Mia to stay here with me.” “They haven’t seen her in a while. It’s only ten days,” Felix replied, his tone flat. Miranda’s chest rose and fell. She met his eyes. “You could come too,” he offered. She clenched her fists. Her voice sharpened. “I could. But can you promise me that woman will stay away from my daughter?” Felix tugged at his already-loosened tie—his usual tell when he was getting impatient. “Xena doesn’t mean any harm,” he muttered. “You don’t need to be so on edge.” Miranda’s body trembled. “Fine,” she said. “I’ll go. But I don’t care what’s going on between you and Xena. Just keep her away from my daughter.” Felix’s mother and grandmother had lived overseas for years. The last time Felix visited them was back in August. She couldn’t stop him from visiting his family, so she had no choice but to accompany them. Suppressing her anger, Miranda returned to the bedroom. Just then, her phone rang. She paused at the foreign number flashing on the screen, then picked up. “Hello?” A warm male voice came through. “Mira, have you made up your mind? Will you join the program?” Miranda immediately recognized the caller. “I’m sorry, James. There’s something more important I need to do.” “I looked into your marriage. Your husband’s cheating, and your daughter’s not close to you. You could walk away from that and return to science. With your talent, you’d make real breakthroughs.” Miranda gave a grateful nod. “Thank you, James. I appreciate your kindness, but I have my own plans.” “You’re trying to win your husband back?” he asked with a soft sigh. “No,” she replied calmly. “I just want to be there for my daughter.” “Alright. I believe we’ll meet again.” “I’m sure we will,” Miranda said with a smile, the name James echoing softly in her heart. James Moore had once worked alongside her father. Over the years, he had looked after her like a big brother. Now, she had made up her mind. No matter what, she would rebuild her relationship with her daughter. There was no way she would let her live under the same roof as a woman like Xena. That night, she gently told Mia that she would be going abroad with her. Mia’s eyes lit up as she threw her arms around Miranda’s neck, excitedly sharing the fun things she wanted to do overseas. As Miranda listened, she thought about how, in trying to save her marriage, she had neglected the most important person of all—her daughter. She had been neglecting Mia all along. “Baby, Mommy loves you.” “I love you too, Mommy,” came Mia’s soft, sweet voice, followed by a warm kiss on the cheek. “You’ll always be the best mommy in the world. I never want to leave you—ever,” Mia said, cupping Miranda’s face in the soft glow of the bedroom light. Miranda held her close and kissed the top of her little head. “Mommy loves you too. Always.” * On Monday, the family headed to the airport. Eighteen hours later, they arrived in Danesia. Felix’s assistant, Gavin York, pushed the luggage cart while Miranda carried her bag. Mia, who had slept most of the flight, was still curled up in Felix’s arms, wrapped securely in his coat. They exited the airport and climbed into a warm business-class van. Felix adjusted Mia’s position in his arms, his deep gaze falling gently on her sleeping face. He gently brushed a stray hair from her brow. The three-car convoy sped through the stormy night. As Miranda looked out at the unfamiliar cityscape, a quiet weight settled over her chest. Soon, she would have to face her mother-in-law, Susan Quinn, and her sister-in-law, Sienna Gibson. Eight years ago, when Felix was twenty, he got into a serious car accident and fell into a coma. He was rushed to the hospital where her father worked. The moment she heard the news, Miranda took a leave from school and went straight to the hospital to care for him. At the time, Susan was overwhelmed with grief and didn’t object to Miranda staying. Miranda looked after him day and night, taking over the nurses’ duties without complaint. For an entire year, she stayed by his side. When Felix finally woke up, Miranda couldn’t suppress her feelings any longer. She confessed her love and said she wanted to marry him. But she hadn’t expected Susan to overhear the confession. The very next day, Susan pulled her aside and offered her one hundred million dollars to leave her son. Miranda struggled with the decision. She was packing her things to return to school when Felix appeared at the door. He looked thin and tired, but his eyes were bright and steady. “Let’s get married,” he said. Miranda still remembered that moment. His voice was calm, his expression unreadable, but there had been something resolute in his eyes. On their wedding day, her father’s assistant quietly told her the truth. It was her father who had given Felix the footage of her caring for him in the hospital for a whole year. That was why Felix married her. It was not for love, but out of gratitude. Back then, she had believed that if she just loved him enough, one day he would love her back. Looking back now, she realized how naive her nineteen-year-old self had been. After nearly an hour’s drive, the convoy pulled into an upscale neighborhood in Danesia. The cars finally stopped in front of a grand, brightly lit estate. The housekeepers were already waiting by the door. Miranda got out first, holding her bag. She turned to see Felix stepping down with their daughter held securely in his arms. Mia, still groggy from the flight, nestled sleepily against his shoulder, her messy hair and flushed cheeks making her look all the more adorable. “Daddy, are we at Grandma’s house?” Mia asked with a yawn. Just then, a regal figure descended the stairs from the second floor. Her voice rang out with delight, “Is that my granddaughter? Grandma’s here!” But when her eyes landed on Miranda, who stood quietly with her bag, a faint trace of displeasure flashed in her gaze. “Hi, Mom. It’s been a while,” Miranda greeted politely. “Oh my sweet Mia! You’ve gotten taller again. Come give Grandma a hug!” Susan said joyfully, scooping the child into her arms. She gently patted Mia’s plump little frame. “Daddy’s taking good care of you—look how chubby you’ve gotten.” Felix, however, reached over and took Mia back into his arms. Susan didn’t protest, knowing her son was concerned about her health. Then she turned to the housekeeper and instructed, “Go prepare a guest room for the guest.” “Yes, ma’am,” the housekeeper responded. Miranda’s heart sank. That line wasn’t for the housekeeper. It was for her. A reminder that her presence hadn’t been part of the original plan. Otherwise, her room would have already been prepared. “I’m hungry, Grandma! I want something to eat. Hey, where’s Aunt Sienna?” Mia asked, acting as if she were completely at home. “Alright, I will have the maid fix something for you,” Susan said warmly. “Your aunt went skiing abroad with some friends. She won’t be back until New Year’s.” Miranda let out a quiet breath. Sienna didn’t like her either. Honestly, she was relieved she didn’t have to see her. Just then, Felix’s phone rang. Miranda glanced over and saw him glance at the screen before stepping outside to take the call. Chapter 6 Miranda had agreed to come along, but clearly, Felix planned to spend time comforting Xena. Just then, an elderly figure with silvery white hair stepped up from the sunroom. It was Felix’s grandmother. “Mira, you’re here,” she said warmly. “Hi, Grandma.” Miranda greeted her affectionately. After the wedding, Mrs. Gibson Sr. had always treated her well. “Oh my, Mia’s getting so tall! Great-Grandma can’t even lift you anymore!” Mrs. Gibson Sr. said with a loving smile as she watched her great-granddaughter run around. After the eighteen-hour flight, Miranda was feeling worn out. With Mia happily playing with her grandmother and great-grandmother, she didn’t want to interrupt. She took a shower and stayed in the room to rest. By 11 p.m., Mia was still bursting with energy. Miranda forced herself to stay awake and sat with her in the upstairs sitting area. Before long, Felix joined them, dressed in a soft cotton pajama set. As soon as he sat down, Mia climbed into his lap. “Daddy, play with me! Please!” “Sure. What do you want to play?” “Blocks!” Felix patiently built blocks with her. Miranda sat quietly to the side, exhaustion washing over her. Before long, she drifted off with her head resting on the couch. Half-asleep, she felt a tap on her arm. Mia was whispering next to her, “Daddy, can you carry Mommy back to bed?” “You can wake her up yourself,” Felix replied gently. “But you carried Aunt Xena back to her room last time. Why can’t you carry Mommy too?” Mia pouted, a hint of jealousy in her voice. Miranda frowned. “He didn’t even try to keep his distance from Xena in front of our daughter? Disgusting!” she thought. She pretended to wake up and opened her eyes. “Mia, I’ll take you to bed.” She looked up and met Felix’s dark, unreadable gaze. He clearly knew she had heard everything. “I’m scared. I want both Mommy and Daddy to sleep with me,” Mia said with a pout. “Daddy has work to do. Go with Mommy for now,” Felix said flatly, getting up and walking toward his study. Mia’s lips trembled, but Miranda scooped her up. “Come on, baby. Mommy will tell you a bedtime story.” * The next morning, Miranda came downstairs with Mia in tow. “Good morning, ma’am. Would you like breakfast now?” a housekeeper asked as she approached. Miranda nodded. As they entered the dining room, she asked, “Has Mr. Gibson gotten up yet?” “He left early this morning,” the housekeeper replied. Miranda understood perfectly. With her here, Xena couldn’t show up at the Gibson estate. So Felix had no choice but to go out and meet her instead. Right now, they were probably sitting in some upscale cafe downtown, enjoying a cozy date—or maybe they were already tangled up in the sheets of a hotel room, indulging in a heated morning affair. * By noon, Miranda spent some time chatting with Mrs. Gibson Sr. Though Susan wasn’t particularly fond of her, she kept things civil in front of Mia. “Mira, Mia’s already five. She seems a little lonely,” Mrs. Gibson Sr. said, taking her hand. “You two are still young. Why not try for another child or two? A livelier home is a happier one.” Miranda didn’t take offense. From Mrs. Gibson Sr.’s point of view, wanting more grandchildren made sense. After lunch, with Mia occupied, Miranda returned to her room and continued working. This time, she was determined to carry out her father’s last wish and finally complete the research lab he never got to finish. That evening, Felix came home for dinner. “Come on, open up.” Susan coaxed gently, offering a spoonful of risotto to Mia, a satisfied smile on her face. With a child at the table, the atmosphere was naturally lighthearted. But Mrs. Gibson Sr. couldn’t help noticing the tension between Felix and Miranda. The emotional distance between the couple was too obvious. She was still hoping to see another great-grandchild in her lifetime, and the thought made her silently anxious. After dinner, she deliberately sent Susan and Mia away, keeping Felix and Miranda behind. “Mira, you young folks should go out and enjoy yourselves once in a while,” she began, not bothering to sugarcoat it. “Don’t just stay home with us old folks all day.” Miranda smiled politely. “I like spending time at home with you all, Grandma.” But Mrs. Gibson Sr. suddenly remembered that Miranda rarely went abroad and probably didn’t have many friends here. Her expression grew serious as she turned to Felix. “Felix, you’re always leaving your wife at home while you run around outside. Is that how a husband should act?” Felix’s gaze shifted to Miranda, sharp and questioning. Clearly, he assumed she had been complaining behind his back. “We’ll take Mia with us tonight,” Mrs. Gibson Sr. added with a knowing glint in her eye. “You take Mira out for a breather. Come back a little later.” She was clearly hoping the young couple would rekindle their intimacy—if not at home, then maybe at a hotel. Miranda caught on instantly and quickly protested, “It’s cold out. I’d rather stay home with you.” “There’s heating in the car. You won’t freeze. Go on—get out for a bit,” Mrs. Gibson Sr. insisted, waving them off. Just as Miranda was about to come up with another excuse, Felix cut in coldly, “Let’s go.” “Go on, go on,” Mrs. Gibson Sr. said again, finally breaking into a pleased smile. Not wanting to disrespect her grandmother-in-law, Miranda nodded. Felix pulled the car around, and Miranda climbed into the passenger seat. Behind them, Mrs. Gibson Sr. stood at the window, watching them leave with a hopeful smile. Once they had exited the estate, a heavy silence filled the car, making Miranda feel increasingly uneasy. Just then, the car phone rang. The name “Xena” lit up across the screen, bold and unmistakable. Miranda glanced at it, then turned her face toward the window without a word. Felix reached over and declined the call. A moment later, Miranda spoke, her voice quiet but firm. “Just drop me off anywhere in the city. I’ll make my own way back.” But Felix replied coolly, “Come with me. There’s somewhere I want to go.” Chapter 7 Since Felix showed no sign of stopping, Miranda had no choice but to sit back and follow along. The black Rolls-Royce Phantom cut through the snowy night, eventually pulling into a private estate. A doorman in a tailcoat stepped forward and opened the car door with a respectful bow. Inside the mansion, they were guided through a lavish corridor before entering an intimate banquet hall. From the domed ceiling hung a three-tiered crystal chandelier, its prisms scattering light like stardust, casting a dazzling glow over the space. By the rose-gold wine cabinet sat three young men. A bartender in a gray vest was mixing drinks for them. “Felix! You made it,” one of the men greeted warmly, then noticed Miranda. “And this must be Mrs. Gibson. A pleasure to finally meet you.” “Hello. I’m Miranda,” she replied. “Welcome! Great to see you. I’m Hayden Harris—Felix’s good friend and tonight’s host,” he said with a smile that was both gracious and subtly admiring. Miranda recognized the name. He was the second son of the Harris family, who owned one of the largest real estate empires in Corona. The other two men rose to greet them as well. Felix introduced them in passing. Miranda didn’t recognize their names, but from their polished manners and quiet confidence, it was clear they came from powerful families. “Felix, come here a sec,” Hayden said, throwing an arm around Felix’s shoulder and pulling him aside for a chat. Meanwhile, a server approached Miranda. “Mrs. Gibson, would you prefer a cocktail or juice?” “Juice, please,” Miranda answered. Just then, four more guests entered—two couples. The pair in front had their arms linked like a married couple. Behind them trailed another man and woman. The man wore a tailored gray suit with effortless poise. At his side was none other than Xena. Her black evening gown accentuated every curve of her figure. Draped over her shoulders was a royal purple shawl, and she wore a matching set of sparkling jewelry. She looked elegant, sensual, and undeniably glamorous. The moment Xena saw Miranda, a flash of disbelief crossed her face. She hadn’t expected Felix to bring her here. But she quickly recovered, her lips curling into a smile full of veiled meaning. The man beside Xena recognized Miranda and walked up with a friendly smile. “Mrs. Gibson, do you remember me?” Miranda found him vaguely familiar but couldn’t place him. “I’m Leo Lincoln. I attended your wedding with Felix. Ring any bells?” She smiled politely. “Nice to see you again, Mr. Lincoln.” Xena stepped forward, her voice soft. “Mrs. Gibson, what a surprise to see you here.” Miranda pretended not to hear her and sipped her juice without responding. Xena’s smile stiffened, and she cast a faintly wounded look in Felix’s direction. She had expected him to arrive alone tonight. Clearly, Miranda’s presence had ruined her evening. Miranda had only just arrived, but she was already thinking about leaving. Watching how easily everyone greeted one another, it was clear they all moved in the same social circle. “Why had Felix brought me here? “To make me feel out of place? “Or to let me witness, firsthand, his affair with Xena?” she wondered. * Just then, another group of guests entered, led in by a server. Miranda looked up curiously. In the very next moment, her gaze landed on a familiar face. She froze. A wave of shock and delight rushed through her. It was James Moore, a brilliant figure in Merika’s medical field—and her former upperclassman. He wore a simple black suit, his tall frame refined and understated. The silver-rimmed glasses added to his scholarly air. He was deep in conversation with a middle-aged man when he suddenly seemed to sense someone watching. His gaze swept the room and then stopped on her. For a second, he looked surprised. Then a glimmer of warmth lit his expression. He murmured something to his companion, pushed up his glasses, and began walking toward her. Miranda smiled. “Mira,” he said warmly. “James,” she greeted, struggling to hide her excitement. “I didn’t expect to see you here.” “Neither did I. What a surprise,” he said, his eyes scanning her face with quiet fondness. It had been nearly half a year since they last met. Meanwhile, Felix finished talking with Hayden and headed their way—only to find another man chatting with Miranda, looking far too familiar. His brows furrowed slightly. Just then, a hand slipped around his wrist. It was Xena, glamorous and poised, blocking his path with a teasing smile. “Why didn’t you answer my call earlier?” Felix pulled his hand away without making a scene. “I’ll explain later.” Xena gave a knowing smile and turned her gaze to the man talking to Miranda. He wasn’t someone she recognized—not part of their usual crowd. Who was he? And why did he seem so close to Miranda? Everyone here tonight was from the top of their fields. How had a housewife who had spent years tucked away in the shadows managed to know someone like him?” Chapter 8 “Felix, come here. I want to introduce someone to you,” Hayden said, motioning him over. Felix followed Hayden to where Miranda was standing with James. Hayden raised his brows in surprise. “Mrs. Gibson, you two know each other?” Miranda offered a polite smile. “Yes, we know each other.” Hayden said with a chuckle. “Well then, I’ll skip the formalities. Felix, this is James Moore—Professor Craven’s most prized student and a rising star in the medical field.” Felix’s expression shifted to one of interest. There was a hint of respect in his eyes as he extended his hand. “Mr. Moore, nice to meet you. I’m Felix Gibson.” “Likewise.” James gave him a measured glance as their hands briefly clasped and released. Then he turned to Miranda. “It was lovely seeing you again.” With a courteous nod, James excused himself. Felix watched him walk away, his gaze lingering for a moment before settling on Miranda again. She started toward the bar for another juice, but just as she stepped away, Felix gripped her arm tightly. “Watch yourself.” Felix’s voice was low, his words barely audible, but they carried an unmistakable warning wrapped in quiet authority. Miranda gave a faint, mocking smile. He had no issue flaunting his mistress in front of their entire social circle, yet the moment she spoke a few harmless words to James, he suddenly felt the need to issue a warning? It was typical. He could do whatever he wanted, while she was expected to stay silent. She pulled her arm free with a calm, deliberate motion. Felix let go without protest. Without saying another word, Miranda turned and walked toward the bar to get herself another glass of juice. Nearby, Xena was chatting with a well-dressed socialite in Danesian. “Who’s that? I don’t think I’ve seen her before,” the woman asked. Xena smiled politely and replied, “She’s Felix’s wife. The one from back home.” The woman’s eyes widened in surprise. “Then you might want to be careful tonight, Miss Spencer. You wouldn’t want to get too close to Mr. Gibson and upset his wife.” Still smiling, Xena said breezily, “She won’t mind. They’re in the middle of a divorce.” The woman cast a quick glance toward Miranda. “She doesn’t seem like someone who’s used to this kind of crowd. Doesn’t really match Mr. Gibson, does she?” They clearly assumed Miranda couldn’t understand the language. What they didn’t know was that in the past six years, she had become fluent in four. Xena was openly spreading rumors about their divorce in this very room, and Felix was doing nothing to stop her. He stood across the room with a wine glass in hand, chatting with two other men. Meanwhile, James had already noticed Miranda standing alone. With a drink of his own, he made his way over to her. “Mira, what are you doing in Danesia? When did you get here?” he asked with warmth in his voice. “I came with my husband and daughter. We’re spending Christmas here,” she answered in fluent Elbonian. James smiled and smoothly switched to Elbonian. “Looks like you haven’t forgotten everything I taught you.” He stepped a little closer, his eyes drifting briefly toward Xena. “If you want to leave, I can take you,” he offered, his voice low. He knew about Felix’s affair with Xena. Miranda gave him a calm smile. “Thank you. If I need help, I’ll reach out.” Across the room, Felix’s eyes snapped toward them. The warmth in his gaze disappeared in an instant. His expression darkened, and the wine glass paused halfway to his lips. Just then, Hayden clapped his hands to get everyone’s attention. “Let’s play a little game,” he said cheerfully. “I’m calling it ‘Vintage Time Capsule.’ It’s a blind wine tasting. Nothing too complicated.” The crowd immediately perked up. Xena stood next to Leo, smiling with thinly veiled excitement. She shot Miranda a knowing look, clearly hoping for a show. Everyone seemed excited about the game. Miranda stayed quiet, treating it as light entertainment and secretly hoping the fun would wind down quickly. A server brought over a tray of wineglasses and three bottles covered in dark cloth. Each glass was poured from one of the bottles. The rules were simple: taste the wine and identify its dominant flavor note. Felix was the first to step up. He swirled the wine in his glass, took a small sip, and said calmly, “Cherry.” “Correct,” Hayden nodded. “Next.” Soon it was Xena’s turn. She lifted the glass with practiced elegance, swirled it gently, then bit her red lips in thought. “Could it be… oak barrel?” Hayden pulled off the cloth with a grin. “Miss Spencer, how’d you get that one wrong?” Xena gave him a playful, pleading look. “Then please go easy on me, Mr. Harris.” He chuckled. “Alright! Your punishment is to finish the whole glass!” Xena hesitated, brows gently pinched, and gave a dainty cough as she covered her lips. “I’m not sure I can.” “I’ll drink it for her,” a voice cut in. Felix stepped forward, picked up the glass in front of Xena, and downed it in one smooth motion. Miranda’s expression remained unreadable as she watched. Xena really knew how to make Felix feel protective—like he was her knight in shining armor. Under the soft lights, Xena’s fair cheeks took on a delicate pink. She looked up at Felix and whispered, “Thank you.” Then it was James’s turn. He took a sip and said with a smile, “I’ll take a wild guess. Graphite? Not sure if I got that right.” Hayden chuckled. “Impressive. You guessed correctly!” Finally, it was Miranda’s turn. Hayden looked surprised, as if he had forgotten she was even there. A socialite, who seemed to be close with Xena, gave a polite smile and said, “Your turn, dear.” “She doesn’t need to play,” Felix interjected immediately. The woman chuckled. “Oh, come on, Mr. Gibson. Let your wife join in. It’ll be more fun that way.” All eyes turned toward Miranda again. She offered a pleasant smile. “All right then. I’ll take a guess. If I’m wrong, no one laugh, okay?” She reached for the glass, her fingers wrapping around the crystal stem. She gave it a gentle swirl, then brought it to her nose. Her calm, graceful movements carried a quiet elegance. From across the room, Xena watched her closely, a faint smirk on her lips. “If Miranda guessed wrong, would Felix step in for her too?” she wondered. Miranda took a sip, thoughtful for a moment. “I’ll take a blind guess—blackcurrant, perhaps?” Hayden pulled off the cloth, visibly surprised. “Spot on! Mrs. Gibson clearly knows her wine.” Xena’s smile faltered. She had forgotten that the Gibsons probably had an extensive wine collection at home. A little tasting game like this wouldn’t faze Miranda. “Well done, Mrs. Gibson,” Xena said with an easy smile, though her eyes glinted with mischief. “You have such a refined palate. I’m sure you’re just as talented in the arts. There’s a piano right over there. Would you care to play something for us?” Her tone was sugary sweet, but the challenge beneath it was clear. She wasn’t offering a compliment. She was trying to corner Miranda. “Xena,” Felix said, his voice low with restrained irritation. Xena bit her lip, feigning innocence. “Never mind, forget I said anything.” The room went quiet. Even Hayden and Leo exchanged looks, as if unsure how to smooth over the tension. Then Miranda smiled lightly. “Why not? I’ll give it a try.”