Founder 9

Chapter 9 

Xena was stunned. She had expected to see Miranda panic and fumble, but instead, Miranda walked straight toward the piano without the slightest hesitation. 

For a moment, Xena froze in place. “Miranda can play the piano?” she wondered. 

“That didn’t make sense. She didn’t even finish college. Wasn’t she just some useless housewife?” she thought. 

Across the room, Felix’s gaze followed Miranda as she sat down at the piano. His expression was unreadable, shaded with something complex. 

Under the soft spotlight, Miranda sat at the piano with quiet grace like a lily blooming in the dark. 

As her fingers brushed across the keys and played a few trial notes one thought seemed to cross everyone’s mind at once. They had clearly underestimated her. 

Xena didn’t even realize when her fingers had clenched tightly around the carved chair back. Watching Miranda play on stage felt like a thorn stabbing straight into her heart. 

How was this possible? 

For years, Miranda had hated the piano. But eventually, she came to understand that it wasn’t the instrument she resented. It was the woman who used to play it. 

Why should she turn away from something so beautiful? 

There was still a long life ahead of her. She needed music to keep her company. So she didn’t just learn. She learned well. She might never reach Xena’s elite, international level, but her skill was more than enough to earn genuine praise. 

When the piece ended, Miranda gave a small bow and stepped down gracefully. She didn’t bother to glance at Xena. Instead, she picked up her wine glass and took a sip. 

A voice murmured beside her, full of admiration. “That was incredible.” 

She looked up to find James watching her with clear appreciation in his eyes. Miranda smiled. She could tell his praise was genuine. 

Across the room, Felix suddenly downed the rest of his wine and stood. “It’s getting late. We’re leaving.” 

S 

Hayden quickly followed, chiming in with a laugh, “Right–can’t forget there’s a five–year–old waiting at home. Let’s call it a night.” 

Felix glanced at his close friend Leo, then at Xena, as if silently asking him to take care of things. Leo gave a small nod in 

response. 

Miranda, picking up her bag, caught the entire exchange. Her eyes swept past Xena, who stood there with delicate pride, clearly basking in Felix’s silent attentiveness. 

Turning to James, Miranda said, “Goodbye, Mr. Moore.” 

“See you soon,” James replied with a smile, pushing up his silver–rimmed glasses. 

At the door, Miranda slid into the passenger seat. Felix stepped on the gas without a word, the car speeding down the mountain road. 

Miranda’s chest tightened slightly. She glanced sideways at Felix, nstantly sensing his bad mood. 

Was he upset because she hadn’t let his mistress humiliate her? 

Or was it because she had outshone the woman he favored? 

Chapter 9 

+25 BONUS 

Whatever the reason, Miranda didn’t care enough to figure it out. All she wanted now was to get home and rest. Going forward, she would avoid any events in his social circle whenever possible. 

For the next two days, Felix was nowhere to be seen during the day Miranda spent her time with Mia, pouring all her energy into their moments together. 

At around three in the afternoon, Felix returned. He stepped inside brushing off a light drizzle. He slipped off his slightly damp coat and handed it to the housekeeper before crouching down to hug Mia. 

Mia was still deeply immersed in her play. Without even looking up, she chirped sweetly, “Daddy’s home!” 

Felix leaned in to kiss her cheek, but she pushed his face away with both hands. “Daddy, don’t kiss me! My little house is about to fall over!” 

Miranda looked over. Under the warm lights, she noticed a faint smudge of lipstick near the base of Felix’s neck, just below the collar. It was exactly where a woman’s lips might have touched while pressed close against his chest. 

Felix gave a helpless smile as he ruffled Mia’s hair. “Be good,” he said gently, then turned and headed upstairs. 

At five thirty, a housekeeper came to inform Miranda that the whole family would be going out to dinner in ten minutes. 

The restaurant was an upscale place in the city center. With the Christmas season still in full swing, the streets were buzzing with festive cheer. Everyone seemed to be in high spirits. 

Once they arrived, Mia sat quietly in Felix’s lap, eyes curiously darting around. 

“Daddy, it’s Aunt Xena!” she suddenly exclaimed, pointing across the room. 

Following Mia’s finger, Miranda spotted a familiar figure standing up near the window. It was unmistakably Xena. 

“What a coincidence! You’re here too?” said Susan excitedly. 

Xena looked pleasantly surprised. “What are the odds? I didn’t expect to run into you here.” 

“You’re leaving already?” Susan asked. 

“I was just about to. My friend called to cancel, so I figured I’d head out,” Xena replied, then waved at Mia. “Bye, time I’ll take you out for treats, okay?” 

“Don’t go, Aunt Xena!” Mia called out, reaching toward her. 

tie! Next 

“Why don’t you join us?” Susan offered warmly. “We just got here.” 

Miranda stayed quiet, calmly observing the scene. No one else noticed, but she could tell that Xena had clearly arrived early on purpose. 

Now she was pretending to bump into them and make a graceful exit. She was fully made up and perfectly styled. That was no coincidence. 

“Was this Felix’s doing? Conveniently arranging for his mistress to join the family dinner? How thoughtful,” Miranda thought. 

“Oh no, I couldn’t intrude on your family dinner,” Xena said with a demure smile. 

Mrs. Gibson Sr. spoke up. “It’s no trouble. We’re already here. It’s just one more seat.” 

“Join us,” Felix added. 

Only then did Xena stop declining. She nodded and said warmly, you all. Let’s have dinner together.” 

ve been pretty busy lately and haven’t had a chance to visit 

Miranda watched calmly as Xena joined the meal without hesitation. When they took their seats, Xena sat between Susan and 

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Mrs. Gibson Sr. 

Felix had Mia seated beside him, with Miranda on Mia’s other side On Miranda’s other side was the housekeeper, who was there to assist Mrs. Gibson Sr. 

“It’s been a while since we’ve all eaten out. I wonder if they’ve added any new dishes,” Susan mused. 

Xena raised her hand to call over the server, politely asking about new items on the menu. She discussed the options with Mrs. Gibson Sr., and together they finalized the order. 

While the adults chatted, Mia was happily absorbed in her toys. Miranda sipped her tea and quietly watched her daughter play. 

“So, Xena, what have you been busy with lately?” Mrs. Gibson Sr. asked. 

“I’ve been preparing for my upcoming concert and handling some things for the company,” Xena replied with a graceful smile. 

“You’ve always been impressive,” Susan said with a warm smile. So young, and already running your own company and planning a concert. I even saw a few of your endorsement deals recently. That kind of ambition is exactly what young people need.” 

As the words left her mouth, she seemed to remember Miranda was sitting just across from her. She glanced at her, and a flicker of disapproval appeared in her eyes. 

“She hasn’t even finished college and just stays home living off my son. How could someone like that ever measure up to Xena?” Susan thought bitterly. 

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