Chapter 4

Miranda didn't answer Carson right away. Instead, she asked, "What about you? Have you been passionate with me?" Carson froze for a bit. Then, he frowned and said, "Of course. You're the only person I love and cherish." In the past, Miranda would've loved hearing those words from Carson. But now, they only made her feel disgusted. "Don't think too much about it," she said. "I'm just not feeling well tonight and want to sleep earlier. Go back to your bed." Seeing that Miranda was chasing him out again, Carson finally revealed his true motive. "Mimi, I have a business meeting with Mr. Kennedy tonight. You know how hard he is to deal with unless he's a little tipsy. I'm afraid that the deal won't go through if we don't have you there." Walt Kennedy was a real estate tycoon, and he was well-known for being a heavy drinker and a pervert. Even Miranda had lost to him previously in other business meetings. Carson didn't seem to care that she had just told him she wasn't feeling well. He still suggested that she come out with him to network and handle a difficult client. Miranda was exhausted, and she could already feel a pang in her chest. "I'm very tired. And I don't feel like drinking today," she said. Carson looked slightly surprised. He didn't think that Miranda would reject him so quickly. However, he controlled his emotions and comforted her instead. "I'm sorry, Mimi. I failed to think about your health. It's just that Mr. Kennedy holds the rights to the land in Noroville, where your hometown is. He's thinking of collaborating with a livestock company to level the graveyard and develop the area into a cattle farm. "That's mainly why I'm so anxious to strike a deal with him on that piece of land. At the very least, we'd still be able to preserve your memories of that place." Miranda froze when she heard that. She couldn't care less about other things, but she simply couldn't watch as somebody else disturbed her mother's grave. She had to do something about it. While thinking about it, Miranda shot Carson a look. Suddenly, she thought that maybe he was still concerned about her and looking out for her best interests. Carson pressed his lips together. "Rest well, Mimi. I'll handle Mr. Kennedy myself and try my best to get his project." "No, wait. I'll go with you. Give me half an hour," Miranda said, climbing out of bed and quickly going to put on her makeup. When she came out of the bedroom, she found that Gianna was coming along as well. She was also dolled up in a more elegant makeup look, as if she was about to attend a banquet instead. "Mimi, since Gianna is my secretary, she needs to learn the ropes. I'm bringing her along so that she can learn from you," Carson explained on her behalf. "Miranda, you were always the one going out with Carr for these business meetings and contract signings," Gianna said. "But you don't have to worry about it anymore. I'll be taking over soon, so you won't have to do this for him anymore." However, Miranda was more concerned about convincing Walt not to destroy the graveyard in her hometown. She couldn't be bothered about Gianna's words at the moment. When they arrived at the VIP room at the agreed-upon venue, Walt was already there. Gianna was just about to sit down next to him, and Carson immediately pulled her away. He chided her angrily and said, "That's not your place! Can't you read the room? That's a seat reserved only for Miranda!" Then, Carson revealed Miranda standing behind him and gave her a little push. Miranda walked over and sat down next to Walt. Walt looked at Miranda with a wide, perverted grin. "I knew I could trust you, Mr. Stallone. I heard that Ms. Oakley had been hiding at home for days, but you actually managed to get her out tonight." Carson smiled proudly at the praise. "You're too kind, Mr. Kennedy. Miranda was the one who offered to tag along and accompany you after hearing that you'd be here tonight." Walt immediately leaned his greasy head over and gave Miranda a suggestive once-over. "Would you care to have a few drinks with me, Ms. Oakley?" Before Miranda could even answer him, Carson immediately said, "Yes, of course she can!" He then opened up a few bottles of vodka for Miranda and smiled at Walt. "Don't worry, Mr. Kennedy. She'll drink with you to your heart's content tonight!" Then, he turned to Miranda and said softly, "Mimi, it's now up to you whether or not we get to cinch the deal with him on the plot of land in your hometown. Don't let us down this time." Miranda froze. A bitter smile appeared on her face. In the past, whenever his clients made things difficult for her on purpose, Carson would always apologize to her with his eyes slightly red. "I'm sorry, Mimi. It's my fault for not being capable enough that you have to go through all these for me. I promise that I won't ever let you do this again if I can help it once I've made a name for myself!" Now, Carson was more than capable of handling things on his own. However, he still took it for granted that Miranda was to continue networking for him and drinking on his behalf, even more than ever.