When fate plays its hand

At Elgerson’s Infinity Lab, Miranda stood at her station, rechecking the data for the third time. Sebastian and Madison exchanged a glance, feeling like something was definitely off.

“Miranda, did you not get enough rest last night? You seem distracted today,” Madison asked.

Miranda sighed. “I don’t know what’s going on. My eyes have been twitching all day; I just can’t seem to shake this feeling.”

“Which eye?”

“Both.”

Madison gave her a sympathetic look. That’s… not good.”

At noon, Miranda took a short nap, hoping it would calm her nerves. But the twitching wouldn’t stop, as though something bad was looming on the horizon.

By evening, after verifying all her data, Miranda finally stretched, “Done at last.”

Madison said, “I’m just about wrapped up, too. How about you, Seb?”

“I’m all set.”

“Great! Let’s grab dinner tonight–my treat!” Madison cheered.

Miranda waved her off. “You two go ahead. I’m exhausted and just want to go home and get some rest.”

Madison nodded understandingly. “Alright, Miranda. Get some good sleep tonight.”

“Thanks. I will, Miranda replied as she headed out. During the cab ride home, Miranda nearly dazed off until her phone rang suddenly, jolting her awake.

“Hello? Dad?”

“Mimi, your mom’s been hurt. Come home as soon as you can!”

“What? Mom’s hurt? How? What happened?”

“Edith showed up at the house today…”

When she was trying to protect her computer, Mindy had hit her head on the edge of the table, cutting it open. Blood had poured from the wound. Thankfully, Lionel had arrived in time and rushed her to the hospital.

She had ended up with three stitches and a mild concussion and needed to stay under observation for a couple of days.-

“And Edith?” Miranda asked through gritted teeth.

Lionel replied, “She… got away.”

That night, Miranda booked the first available flight and arrived in Lumberville by 3:00 am.

The next morning, she came to the hospital room with freshly made oatmeal and chicken soup that she

had simmered for three hours.

“Mimi?” Lionel and Mindy both looked up in surprise.

Mindy asked, “When did you get here?”

Lionel added, “Why didn’t you tell me? I could have picked you up!”

Mindy immediately sensed who was behind the call. “I’m fine, you didn’t have to drag Mimi all the way here. She has exams coming up, and the lab work-”

“It’s alright, Mom. I’m already here, and no amount of scolding Dad is going to send me back to school,” Miranda reassured her with a smile.

Mindy fell silent, and Lionel scratched his head sheepishly. “That’s a fair point.”

“Mom, look what I brought you…” Miranda opened the thermos, and the aroma of chicken soup filled the

room.

She’d packed enough for both of them, and Mindy and Lionel ate every last bite of the meal she’d prepared. Watching them savor it, Miranda felt a wave of contentment.

After tidying up, she finally sat at her mother’s bedside to get the full story. Content provided by NôvelDrama.Org.

As she left the hospital, Miranda glanced back at the “Inpatient Wing” sign and narrowed her eyes. She pulled out her phone and dialed a number.

The call was quickly answered, and Miranda spoke calmly, “We’ve been preparing for a while now. Is it time to act?”

“Yes. We’re ready.”

The studio staff nearly dropped their jaws when they saw Edith appear out of nowhere.

Lucia asked, “What’s going on? Wasn’t she supposed to be vacationing in Ausward until the weather warmed up next year?”

Claire shook her head, spreading her hands. “Who knows? She looked pretty upset when she came in. She didn’t even respond when we greeted her.

“We’d better be careful today, let’s not end up as her punching bags.”

“Thanks, Claire. Got it.”

As soon as Edith entered her office, she instinctively closed the curtains. When her assistant brought in a cup of hot coffee, she wrapped her hands around it, as if only the warmth could steady her.

Her mind flashed back to yesterday when Mindy’s head struck the corner of the desk, her face instantly covered in blood.

It wasn’t her fault…

She hadn’t pushed her–Mindy lunged for the computer and ended up hitting the desk herself. It had nothing to do with her. Absolutely nothing!

That thought somewhat eased Edith’s nerves, and she took a slow sip of the coffee. Suddenly, a commotion sounded from outside.

Edith frowned. Was this how they worked when she wasn’t around? Calling out and making a ruckus with no decorum?

She took a deep breath, opened her office door, and was ready to scold everyone. Until…

“Ill ask again. Is Edith Jiver here? We’re officers from the Lumberville Police Department, and we need her cooperation regarding an assault investigation. Please inform us of her whereabouts!”

Lucia looked at Claire in alarm.

Claire just shook her head slightly and then pointed towards Edith’s office for the officer in charge. “Go!” Before Edith had a chance to react, several police officers surged into her office, surrounding her. “Edith, you are suspected of intentional assault. Please come with us.”

“No… I won’t go… I didn’t… Officers, are you sure you have the right person? I had nothing to do with this!” “The victim’s daughter has already filed a report, and the entire incident was recorded by a camera in the study. Let’s continue this at the station. Take her away!”

At the command, Edith was escorted to the police car.

Lucia was stunned. “Claire, do you think Mrs. Jiver will be okay?”

Claire’s hands were trembling. “The p–police got involved…”

As soon as Edith was seated in the police car, she regained her composure. “I’d like to see my lawyer. Until then, I have the right to remain silent.”

The next day, her lawyer arrived.

“So… when can I get out of here?” she asked.

The lawyer looked troubled. “I’m sorry, but it seems you’ll need to bear with the situation for now.”

I

“What do you mean? Can’t I get out on bail?”

The lawyer shook his head and then shared an additional piece of bad news, “Mindy has decided to sue you.”

“Sue me? Sue me for what?”

“Copyright infringement.”

“What proof does she have? I’ll deny everything–what can she do to me?”

Her lawyer, Winston Nairn, then pulled out a recording.