Independence

Chapter 0134

Moreover, Miranda noticed that Edith, the editor, wasn’t really caring about her mother. Instead, Edith was just pressuring and manipulating her.

“Can I read those books?” Miranda asked eagerly.

“Sure, I’ll send them to you when we get home. Just make sure you’re ready to read all of them!” Mindy replied.

“I definitely will!” Miranda promised.

When they got home, Lionel was at the door hanging Christmas decorations. He couldn’t see them properly from where he was, so Miranda said, “Dad, it looks a bit crooked.”

“Move it a little to the left,” she suggested.

Mindy, getting out of the car, said, “I think it’s too high. You should lower it a bit.”

Lionel lowered the decorations, but Mindy then said, “Now it’s too low. It needs to be higher.”

Miranda said, “I think it’s good like this.

Lionel finished and came down from the ladder. Looking at the decorations from both sides, he asked, Doesn’t it seem like it’s not quite right?”

Mindy noticed the problem and said, “Did you mix up the decorations for the door and the window?” Lionel coughed and admitted, “It looks like I did.

He had put the wrong decorations on the door and window, so they didn’t match up properly. Mindy joked, “Looks like even your brain took a break during the holidays.”

Lionel just sighed, while Miranda laughed out loud.

On Christmas Eve, Mindy made Miranda’s favorite cookies. They were full of chocolate and a bit of peppermint, crispy on the outside and soft inside. She served them with cold milk to make the holiday special.

Lionel cooked a big Christmas dinner. He made roast turkey, honey–glazed ham, and some local dishes like braised beef and fluffy Christmas pudding, all representing plenty and good luck.

At 6:00 pm, the family sat down together for their Christmas Eve meal.

After dinner, Miranda started cleaning up, but Mindy told her to relax. “Don’t worry about it. Go watch TV. Your dad and I can handle it.”

Lionel, peeking out from the kitchen, said, “If you’re bored, go outside and play in the yard.”

Even with their encouragement, Miranda helped out by clearing dishes, washing and slicing fruit, and arranging snacks in a basket.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0134

By 8:00 pm,

after everything was cleaned up, the family settled down together. Outside, the sounds of Christmas carols filled the air.

Miranda opened the window to watch the Christmas lights twinkle in the night. She rested her chin on her hand, enjoying the peaceful and festive moment.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed with a Christmas Eve greeting from Winter. Miranda smiled and sent back a long message with holiday wishes.

Almost immediately, Winter called on video chat.

Winter appeared on the screen, looking different from her usual self. She had her long hair styled and wore a pearl hairpin, looking much more refined and ladylike. It seemed she had toned down her usual rebellious style for the holiday.

Miranda guessed that Winter only changed her look when she was around her family.

Winter noticed Miranda’s background and looked surprised. “I thought you’d be in Elgerson for Christmas Eve like usual. I was planning to invite you out for some fun after dinner, but it looks like you’re back home?”

For the past six years, Miranda had spent Christmas Eve in Elgerson City with Hansel.

Evelyn, who didn’t like Miranda, had always been cold and never invited her to celebrate the holidays.

Miranda had been hurt at first but eventually accepted it. If Evelyn didn’t want her around, Miranda would keep her distance.