Chapter 2299

Cecilia heard the suspicion in Miranda’s voice, but her expression didn’t change.

“What are you talking about?”

She wasn’t naive. There was no way she was going to admit anything.

Even if Miranda came after her, Cecilia wasn’t afraid for herself. She just didn’t want another burden weighing on her mind.

Miranda studied her blank, unreadable face, then lowered her voice. “It better not have been you. If it was… even if I have to burn everything down, I won’t let you walk away.”

She spoke each word slowly, deliberately.

Cecilia didn’t react.

Not a single word seemed to matter to her.

Her eyes held nothing but cold distance.

The moment Miranda met that gaze, something in her wavered. She couldn’t explain it—but she looked away first.

Just then, school let out. Jon and Elliot came running toward Cecilia.

“Mommy!”

Warmth instantly lit up Cecilia’s face.

It was completely different from the distant, untouchable look she had worn moments ago.

“Come on. Let’s go home and eat.”

She took one child in each hand and led them away.

Not far off, Nathaniel was already waiting by the car.

From where she stood, Miranda watched the scene unfold, her expression shifting.

Without warning, an image surfaced in her mind—one she had never imagined before.

She was the one picking up her son, and Adrian was waiting for her nearby.

The moment the thought formed, Miranda shook her head sharply.

“What’s so great about that loser? I’m starting a brand-new life.”

With that, she stopped waiting and walked to her car.

This time, she truly left.

Without looking back.

A year passed.

Charlotte had already given birth—to a healthy baby boy.

The moment her recovery leave ended, she returned to work, as if she couldn’t wait another day.

“Lottie, why aren’t you resting longer? Your body hasn’t fully recovered yet. Coming back now is too exhausting,” Cecilia said.

“No, no.” Charlotte shook her head repeatedly. “I can’t stay at home anymore. It’s too boring. I’m going crazy.”

Ever since she got pregnant, Sven had treated her like she might break at any moment.

He stayed by her side constantly and wouldn’t let her go anywhere.

She had been so idle she was losing her mind.

Now that her recovery leave was over, she could finally work again—and go out to eat with Cecilia and the others.

“Boss, don’t stop me. I just want to do my job.”

Charlotte sat in front of her computer, her face set with determination.

Cecilia didn’t argue anymore.

“Fine. You can work. But take care of yourself. If you get tired, go home and rest.”

Charlotte raised her hand and flashed an “OK” sign.

Once she was back, she immediately started working seriously, pulling Lucille along with her.

Lucille looked conflicted. “I still want to stick with Ceci and slack off.”

Charlotte shot her a disbelieving look. “A woman needs a career of her own. Work comes first.”

Lucille sighed. She just wanted to coast through life and earn enough to get by.

“Fine.”

Cecilia watched the two of them, smiling helplessly.

A lot had changed over the past year.

Charlotte had given birth. Miranda had married Julian—and rumors said she was pregnant again.

Chelsea and Jason had gotten married too.

Charlotte walked over. “Boss, Chelsea paid back the money she owed you.”

Cecilia nodded. “Mm. Got it.”

Jason’s career had taken off, proving Chelsea’s judgment right.

Even though the Rainsworth elders hadn’t been fully satisfied, they eventually agreed to the marriage.

Not long after, Cecilia’s phone rang.

She glanced at the screen—it was Chelsea.

“Hello, Chelsea. What’s up?”

“Cecilia, did you receive the money?”

“I did.”

Only then did Chelsea continue, “Miranda… thank you for what you did back then. If you hadn’t helped me, Jason and I probably wouldn’t have made it this far.”

“You don’t need to be so formal with me,” Cecilia said.