Chapter 37
Chapter 37
Ian closed the lounge door behind him and left.
Outside the hospital, he ran into Andrea again.
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Andrea explained that yesterday the doctor had said her depression showed signs of relapse, and she had booked a mental health checkup for this afternoon.
Noticing the takeout bag in Ian’s hand, Andrea ventured, “Ian, you haven’t had your lunch yet? How about we go to that restaurant near our campus? I haven’t been there for years, I kinda miss it p>
“Maybe take a rain check. I’m busy this afternoon.” He replied absently.
Ian walked off, and Andrea held herself back from stopping him.
She could feel Ian growing colder toward her these days.
It had to be her reappearance putting his marriage on shaky ground.
Ian was the Hamilton Group’s heir. His marriage was public, and for the sake of the Hamilton family and the Hamilton Group, he couldn’t risk divorcing his wife and getting caught in an affair scandal.
Luckily, she’d been ready to use Ian’s guilt to make him promise to take care of her and their son at the moment they reconnected.
She had no doubts about Ian’s moral quality.
He’d either refuse outright, or if he agreed, he’d see it through.
She had just gotten back, hadn’t even done anything, and Ian’s wife already wanted to get divorced.
Once her son started school in Kingsford in September and they settled here, she’d have more reasons to seek for Ian’s help.
She didn’t believe that Chloe Irvine could put up with it.
“Ms. Sherman? ”
The polite inquiry pulled Andrea from her thoughts.
She looks at the middle–aged man warily. “Do I know you, sir p>
Thomas Quinn folded his hands in front of him, steady and polite. “My last name is Quinn. I’m the Hamilton family’s butler. Mrs. Hamilton is in the café across the street, she’d like to meet you, Ms. Sherman p>
Realizing this man was the Hamilton family’s butler, Andrea’s demeanor changed. “Thank you, Mr. Quinn, please lead the way p>
Andrea followed Mr. Quinn across the street, unable to stop a flicker of excitement.
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Chapter 37
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Six years ago, the elders in the Hamilton family had turned up their noses at her and refused to even mees.
A few times she’d tried to see Miranda Hamilton, to ask her to let her be with fan, however, Miranda had always sent the staff to get rid of her.
‘lan must have shown the fake paternity test to his elders. For Miranda to suddenly ask me out now, it had to be to see her grandson or curry favor with them!
Andrea stepped into the café and followed Thomas’s point to where Miranda sat.
Everything about her, the dress, the posture, the way she moved, carried the effortless grace of old money.
Andrea straightened herself up and walked over with as much poise as she could muster. “Hello, Madam, Im Andrea Sherman p>
Miranda stirred her coffee with elegance, eyes fixed on the swirl inside the cup. “Sit down.
Andrea sat down. The waiter handed over the menu, and Miranda told her to order for herself.
Andrea’s
eyes skimmed it over and over, only to realize she couldn’t read a single word.
Seeing her hesitation, Miranda smiled and tapped her temple. “I forget, Ms. Sherman, you studied dance, right? I guess German isn’t your thing p>
A flicker of embarrassment crossed Andrea’s face, but she stayed composed. “You’re right, Madam. I’m just a regular girl from an ordinary family, German’s beyond me p>
Andrea handed the menu back. “Could I just have a glass of juice, thanks p>
The waiter took it. “Juice is on the house, Miss. Fresh–squeezed or cold? Which one do you prefer p>
Andrea’s hand tightened in her lap. “Don’t bother, just a cup of water p>
This old woman had barely said a word and was already making her feel so embarrassed.
It seemed Ian’s mother wasn’t the soft pushover Andrea had heard about.
The waiter set down a glass of water and left.
Andrea spoke, “Madam, is there anything you want from me for ask me out p>
Miranda set down her metal spoon, looked up at Andrea, and said without preamble, “That child may be lan’s son, but our family doesn’t acknowledge him p>
She went still, breath caught.
Her grip on the glass tightened instinctively. “Madam, Ian and I love each other, and now we have a child. Why can’t you support us p>
Miranda rested her elbows on the table, fingers linked to cradle her chin.
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Chapter 37
Her manners were impeccable, her tone calm. “Because you don’t deserve it p>
Andrea’s face darkened. “Why p>
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Miranda said, “You asking that is like wondering why, here in Kingsford, this restaurant offers only German. with no Spanish or Mandarin p>
Andrea felt a sheen of sweat. “Madam, I honestly don’t understand p>
Miranda explained patiently, “The menu in German is a filter, it screens the clientele, just like places that require proof of assets before you walk in p>
Andrea finally understood.
This old woman was shaming her without saying it outright, forcing her to see she’d only be a joke in wealthy circles.
Forcing herself through, Andrea said, “Ian is your son, don’t you want to see him happy p>
Miranda lowered her hands and leaned back slightly. “Ms. Sherman, you can’t have it both ways. The day you took 10 million dollars from Edward to go abroad, you have already lost your place as my daughter–in–law. Even if my son ever divorced, you and your son would still never be welcome in Hamilton family p>
Andrea’s eyes skittered away. “Madam, I only did it for Ian’s future. If Edward had really stripped him of everything and handed the inheritance to some illegitimate child, leaving Ian to fight from nothing, you wouldn’t be happy either p>
Miranda rose. “Save that story for Ian. I came here only to warn you p>
Andrea stood up too. “Madam, I’m listening p>
Miranda said evenly, “If my son and daughter–in–law don’t divorce, the elders in the Hamilton family can turn a blind eye and tolerate you and your son. But if they split because of you, I’ll be the first to deal with you p>
With that, Miranda picked up her bag and walked away.
Andrea stood frozen for a long moment before she recovered.
She chased Miranda to the door. “Madam, we’re both women, why would you make things hard for me? lan and I already have a child. If you ever hurt us, Ian would never just stand by p>
The driver opened the door. Miranda turned back to glance at Andrea. “If that day ever comes, I’d like to see if my own son would really cross his mother for you p>