When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0738

“A family reunion is always a good thing,” Aren said with a heartfelt sigh, while Lionel nodded immediately in agreement.

It was then that Mindy realized she hadn’t introduced Lionel to Nelly.

“This is my husband,” she said.

“Hello,” Nelly responded with a faint smile. “My brother–in–law certainly looks cultured and refined, a man of talent, surely.”

At that moment, her eyes betrayed none of the earlier judgment or scrutiny.

Lionel gave her a slight nod. “Hello.” His tone was polite yet carried a subtle, almost imperceptible distance.

The others in the room might not have noticed, but Mindy, who had shared years of life with Lionel, immediately picked up on it. She cast a questioning glance at him.

Lionel responded with a slight shake of his head, signaling with his eyes that he’d tell her all about it later.

For reasons he couldn’t quite articulate, this lady gave him an odd feeling. Something about her didn’t sit

right. And so, he maintained his cautious demeanor.

“Dad, are you still making those bread or-” Miranda’s voice trailed off as she emerged from the kitchen, only to find a room full of people. She froze mid–step. Her gaze then landed on Nelly.

Mindy smiled warmly and waved her over. “Come here, Mimi.”

Miranda then walked to her side.

“Nelly, this is my daughter, Miranda. Mimi, this is your Aunt Nelly. Say hello.”

As their eyes met, Miranda briefly studied the woman before politely greeting, “Hello, Aunt Nelly.”

Nelly kept her expression composed, nodding with a pleasant smile. But internally, she was reeling, caught

in a storm of thoughts.

This… This was the same young woman she had seen outside the Mercedes dealership that day. The one who

had been with Paul.

She remembered clearly as she had even taken a photo and sent it to Susan.

When Nelly had asked Susan if Paul was dating someone, Susan’s vague response had glossed over the

question.

Now, thinking back on her reaction… Could it be that she wasn’t pleased with her son’s choice of girlfriend?

Nelly’s gaze on Miranda turned contemplative, though it was quickly replaced by an exaggerated warmth. Her smile was so wide it seemed ready to spill over.

“Min, your daughter is absolutely stunning! She’s even more beautiful than you were at her age! Look at that figure, that face…” She launched into an effusive round of compliments without pause.

“So, Mimi, what are you doing for work these days?”

Mindy replied with a smile, “She’s still in grad school.”

“At a university in Elgerson?”

“Yes, Bedford College.”

Nelly’s eyebrows lifted in surprise.

Bedford College… Impressive.

“Our Mimi is just too brilliant,” Nelly said, taking Miranda’s hand and patting it affectionately. “Have you started dating anyone yet?”

Mindy couldn’t answer on her daughter’s behalf, so she simply smiled and looked toward Miranda. Even Aren and Fiona, who were curious about the question, turned their eyes to her.

“No, I haven’t,” Miranda said simply.

Nelly’s eyes glinted, confirming her earlier assumption. Clearly, the Jefferson family hadn’t approved. Still, managing to catch Paul’s attention was no small feat.

“You surely will never have trouble finding someone. You’re so outstanding; there’s no need to rush,” Nelly said warmly.

Miranda, however, felt anything but at ease. Being held by Nelly’s hand and bombarded with endless praise, she only felt a growing discomfort.

“I’ll go check on the bread,” she said, seizing the first excuse she could think of and making her escape.

Soon, Lionel brought out freshly cut slices of bread and invited everyone to breakfast. He even set a place for Nelly, offering her a plate and utensils.

“No need, I’ve already eaten,” she said.

“Just eat a little,” Mindy urged.

Nelly waved her hand dismissively. “Really, I’m fine.”

Fiona glanced at her briefly but said nothing and walked straight to the table instead. She leaned over to inspect all the bread laid out on the counter.

“Lionel, what kind of bread did you make?” she asked.

“This one’s sourdough. That’s pumpkin seed, maple oatmeal, and toasted rosemary and olive oil. A little variety for everyone,” Lionel replied.

“How thoughtful,” Fiona said with a smile as she sat down.

She preferred sourdough, while Aren enjoyed anything with seed. The variety catered to both their tastes, which she couldn’t help but appreciate.

In truth, Fiona’s feelings toward Lionel were complicated. Ever since they had received the background report and learned their daughter was married with a child, she had felt some reservations about this son–in-

law she’d never met. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

It wasn’t dislike, exactly. But it did feel sudden–and uncertain.

After all, Mindy had disappeared as a naive young woman in her early 20s. Now, she had returned as a

married wife and mother.

And this husband of hers… his looks, character, and personality were completely unknown to Fiona.