Chapter 163

Cynthia changed into indoor slippers and glanced around the living room. She noticed several large, packed boxes in the corner before sitting silently on the couch. "Lionel, Mindy, are you clearing out your things?"

Mindy smiled sadly. "No, we're just packing up some bedding and clothes."

Cynthia's gaze lingered on the boxes. "Have you all packed up already? Are you planning to move?"

"Where to?"

Lionel and Mindy exchanged a glance. They decided there was no need to hide anything; the truth would have to come out sooner or later.

Lionel said, "We'll be moving to the new development project nearby. It's called Lakeside Jewel."

"Did you buy a high-rise?"

Lionel shook his head. "No, we bought a villa."

Cynthia displayed just the right amount of surprise, as if she had just learned the news. "Lionel, where did you get so much money? The cheapest Lakeview Villa costs three to four million dollars! You…" She paused, looking concerned. "You didn't get involved in anything illegal, did you?"

"No, I wouldn't dare to do that!" Lionel didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Cynthia proceeded. "Then, about the money…"

"Dad," Miranda interrupted, entering from the balcony. "Why would you keep rambling on instead of asking why Aunt Cynthia paid us a visit so suddenly?"

"Oh, right. Cynthia, what brings you here?" Lionel asked. She rarely came over, so she surely had an important reason to visit them unexpectedly.

Cynthia was caught off guard by the question. She hadn't expected Miranda to interrupt at that moment and was at a loss for words.

"I was entertaining a client in the area. Since I was close by, I thought I'd drop in and visit you."

"Is that so? I heard you just got promoted to IT manager. You must be very busy," Miranda said.

Cynthia forced a smile. "I just took a break from my busy schedule, Miranda. By the way, there were too many people and too much going on at your uncle's place last time, so I didn't get a chance to catch up with you."

Miranda raised an eyebrow, looking surprised. "Aunt Cynthia, what did you want to talk about?"

Chapter 163 (Continued)

"Are you planning to leave after Christmas?"

"If all goes as expected, I will be returning to Elgerson City."

"So, what are you doing there? Working? Studying? Or something else?"

Miranda hesitated. "Well, let's say I'm exploring new opportunities."

She had to wait for the results of her postgraduate admission exam before she could say she was going back to study. Everything was still uncertain as she hadn't received the acceptance letter yet. Although Miranda was confident, she didn't want to make any premature claims. So, she gave a vague answer.

But to Cynthia, Miranda's answer sounded like she didn't plan to get a job and was most probably going to look for a rich person to marry!

Her heart sank, and she motioned for Miranda to come closer. "Come here, Mimi. Have a seat. We need to have a little chat."

Puzzled, Miranda walked over and sat down beside Cynthia.

"Mimi, do you know what is most important for us women?"

"Huh?"

"The ability to maintain our dignity, a resilient spirit, and the passion to strive for our goals."

"What?"

Cynthia continued, "Look at my life, for example. I've had my share of hardships. I grew up in a poor family, so I studied hard and got into a decent university. After graduation, I couldn't find a good job, so I started from the bottom as a bank teller. I did all sorts of dirty and tiring jobs for low pay. Now, I've become a full-time employee and even an IT manager. As for my marriage, I thought I married a good man, but he turned out to be a jerk. I chose to cut my losses and divorced him. Although I'm living on my own, I'm doing just fine, isn't it?"

"Uh… Aunt Cynthia, what exactly are you trying to say?" Miranda asked.