Independence

Chapter 0139

+25 BONUS

Lionel’s face went serious. “Mrs. Hoven, my daughter Miranda is a great young woman. Whatever you’ve heard, please stop spreading these nasty rumors.

“Such talk is just gossip,” Lionel said firmly. “It’s not how a teacher should behave.”

Then, Lionel walked away, clearly upset.

Judy watched him go and shook her head. “Oh, so now we’re not allowed to speak the truth? He thinks she’s perfect–what a joke! She’s a disgrace and ruining the school’s reputation.”

She remembered how Lionel used to brag about Miranda, always talking about her top grades and awards at staff meetings.

But what did it all mean now?

She had gone to Bedford College, only to end up as a wealthy man’s plaything.

What a letdown.

Judy snorted in disgust.

Miranda, who had overheard the conversation, was hiding behind the display case. She couldn’t stand to see her father upset by the cruel gossip. He was someone who cared deeply about his reputation and integrity.

She didn’t want to imagine how heartbroken he would be if he knew she had heard everything. So, she stayed hidden.

Lionel gave the exam papers and answer keys to the senior year coordinator before heading to the school gate.

Just as he was about to leave, Miranda called out, “Dad!

He looked back and saw Miranda coming toward him. Mimi? What are you doing here?”

“I was just wandering around and ended up close by,” Miranda said.

Lionel looked at the darkening sky. “Looks like it’s going to rain soon. Let’s hurry home before the rain

starts.”

“Okay,” Miranda agreed, and she climbed onto the back of his bicycle.

Lionel pushed off with his legs and started pedaling hard. They sped away just as the first raindrops began to fall.

“Dad, I’m sorry…”

Lionel looked at her, confused. “Sorry for what?”

“I I haven’t come back to visit you and Mom for years… And because of me, you’ve had to deal with so much stress and gossip.”

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0139

Lionel shook his head and smiled. “What are you talking about? You’re back now. That’s what matters. You should’ve gone inside earlier; your photo is still in the display case!”

“Really?” Miranda asked, surprised.

“Yeah, and your competition certificates are there too. Remember the first physics competition you entered? I asked if you were nervous. What did you say?”

Miranda tried to recall. “I don’t remember.”

“You said you didn’t feel nervous at all.”

“Seriously? Was I really that confident?”

“You were! You were so sure of yourself because of your great grades.”

“Oh, you’re making me embarrassed…”

Lionel laughed.

On their way home, it started to rain, mixing with snow, which made it very cold.

When they got home, Miranda stayed mostly dry under her jacket, but Lionel’s arm got wet, and he sneezed twice.

Worried he might get sick, Miranda jumped off the bike, opened the door, and rushed inside.

As she grabbed a towel, she heard someone saying loudly, “Is that really your daughter Miranda? 1 thought she was in Jandersville with some rich guy!”

Miranda got really angry. Just how long were people going to keep spreading these rumors?

Taking a deep breath, she put on a big smile and walked over. “Mrs. Larden, what are you talking about?”

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