Chapter 351
Mira saw someone trying to stir up trouble and sighed. “Looks like I shouldn’t have come today p>
She turned to the older woman beside her. “Eleanor, I only accepted your gift because I saw how weak you were and didn’t have the heart to refuse. I know what you’ve given me is incredibly valuable, but trust me, the treatment I just gave you is worth every penny. From now on, as long as you manage your stress and avoid extreme emotional highs and lows, you shouldn’t have another episode for at least three years. Remember, you need a peaceful environment. Take light walks, get some sun, but don’t overexert yourself. I’m flying back to Melvion City first thing tomorrow morning. Take care of yourself p>
“Let’s go, Owen,” she said.
“Child.” Eleanor’s voice stopped her just as she turned. The older woman’s lips parted as if she wanted to say more, but she simply murmured, “Have a safe flight p>
“I will p>
On the drive back to the hotel, Mira remained silent. Assuming she was still upset, Owen offered a rare word of comfort. “Don’t let them get to you. Every family has a few bad apples p>
“I don’t care about them. I have no intention of playing happy family, so their drama has nothing to do with me.” Mira opened the box Eleanor had given her. Resting inside was a pair of flawless Imperial Emerald Bracelets. Judging by their luster, they were antique heirlooms.
Owen glanced at them. “It seems she truly cares about you. Those are exceptionally rare. They have to be worth millions of dollars p>
At current market value, they could easily buy five to seven luxury penthouses in Aethelgard’s prime real estate district. If Mira were ever desperate for cash, these would certainly do the trick.
Mira nodded thoughtfully. “No wonder that woman stiffened and looked away when Eleanor handed them to me. But the medication I gave her will extend her life by a few years, so I’d say we’re even p>
“That was technically your aunt by blood. She probably wanted them for herself, but Eleanor refused. I’ve heard Eleanor Quinn comes from a long line of jewelers. She must have quite the nest egg p>
“I could feel her genuine affection the other day, which is why I couldn’t stop myself from coming today. Tell me, she and Lacey have been estranged for years. I don’t even have any memories of meeting her before. Why would she be so kind to me the moment we met? And it felt pure… untainted by ulterior motives. Why p>
Owen considered it for a moment. “Lacey was her only daughter. She must have adored her before she got married. When they had their falling out, they cut all contact. But as Flearter grew alder, that love didn’t fade it only grew stronger, mixed with the painful regret of watching her daughter make bad choices. You showing up in Aethelgard perfectly filled that void of longing she had for Lacey p>
“So you’re saying she transferred all her love for Lacey onto me p>
“How else would you explain it p>
“I didn’t expect you to be so perceptive,” Mira teased. With his usual
c demeanor, she het
assumed he was clueless abou
emotional nuances. fo
“Did you think I was an idiot p>
“Of course not. You’re brilliant and incredibly capable. I just thought p>
“Thought what?” Owen looked at her, his gaze sharp.
“Thought you couldn’t read people’s emotions p>
Owen let out a dry scoff. “I have a master’s degree in psychology p>
“Oh.” Mira blinked, processing the information. “I guess I’ll have to be careful around you from now on p>
Reading her expression instantly, Owen replied, “Honesty goes a long way. Don’t try to play me p>
Mira rolled her eyes. As the car neared their hotel, she turned to him. “I’m heading back tomorrow. I’ leave the rest of the operations here in your hands p>