Independence

Chapter 0154

Five million dollars. To save that much, Lionel would have to work his entire life, living frugally and barely scraping by,

Kuranda folt a pang of guilt “I haven’t been sitting idle all these years, I’ve managed to save a little.”

At that moment, Mindy, who had been silent until now suddenly spoke up. “How did you save it? Her gaze was sharp with a hint of scrutiny.

Miranda sighed. It seemed like Mindy had likely onught wind of some rumors,

“Mom, this money was earned through legitimate me. It’s clean, and I spent it without any guilt.”

That wasn’t a lie. Hansel had once defied his family for her, Richard Johnson had cut off all his bank accounts to set him straight and forlade Evelyn from diftering any help.

During their toughest times, they squeezed into a tiny basement of less than 100 square feet–where rain leaked in, leaving them cold but warm in spirit.

When Hansel tried to start a business and needed capital, Miranda took on odd jobs every day to save up. Eventually, she was introduced to a biotech company that made beauty products. At first, she tested their products and collaborated with the research team to provide skin related data.

Then, one day, Miranda created a program that streamlined sample data analysis. It turned a complex. task into something simple and efficient, greatly improving accuracy.

The company offered her 500 thousand dollars for the program, but she didn’t accept right away. She brought the offer to Hansel and let him handle the negotiations.

It turned out that Hansel had a knack for business, they ultimately sold the program for two million dollars.

At that point, Miranda had successfully helped him make his first big break.

With that money, Hansol founded his own company, and two years later, he became an industry–rising

star

On the day of their IPO, Hansel told Miranda, “You own half the company.”

That night, he presented her with a 50 million–dollar check and a land transfor contract. Their love was strong during that time, and Miranda was taken aback,

“What’s this for?” she had asked.

“Now that you have money and land, you’ll be a little landlady from now on,” Hansel answered.

“I don’t want your money, and I certainly don’t want to be a landlady.”

At that time, Miranda just wanted to be “Mrs. Johnson and grow old with him.

But Hansel insisted on putting those items in a drawer Once I give something away, I don’t take it back.”

Miranda brushed it off; if he wanted to give, then let him. She wouldn’t have taken it anyway.

Chapter 1st

#25 BONUS

In the years that followed, they had their share of argumenta–omall fights every few days and bigger blowouts every few weeks–but Miranda still never considered claiming those items.

That was until she finally decided to leave him…

Now that she thought about it, If Hansel truly loved her and wanted to marry her for life, he should have given her stocks when the company went public, not cash and land that could be bought outright.

The two million dollars from six years ago, along with all those years of companionship and care, made Miranda feel completely justified in accepting the 50 million dollar check.

Yet the complexities of their relationship were something she didn’t want to bring up in front of Mindy and Lionel, fearing it would only cause them unnecessary heartaché.

Mindy sensed that Miranda might be holding back some detalls, but since she said everything was “clean ” and “without guilt“, her wealth was probably genuine.

“So… does this mean I’m moving into a villa soon?” Mindy’s only concern vanished, replaced by joy.

Miranda nodded. “They’re ready for immediate occupancy. You can move in tonight if you want. Everything else is set besides sheets, blankets, and personal clothes.”

“There’s a rock garden and a fish pond in the front yard and a gazebo in the back. Dad, you can plant whatever flowers you like.”

Lionel’s eyes sparkled. “Is it really that big?”

“You’ll see when you move in. You can even buy seeds and sod in advance.”