"How on earth does she know so many people?" Orion wondered aloud.


    "You should ask her," Alistair replied, his voice low and serious.


    Indeed, how did Mirandae to know all these influential figures? Dorian now understood why, back in the film crew, Elian had been willing to help her out.


    "But she just got out of prison. Where did she find the time to meet all these people?" Alistair muttered in a deep tone.


    Lavinia feigned annoyance, saying, "Why didn''t you tell me?"


    Though the Lancaster family and the Ashcroft family were on speaking terms, their rtionship was


    strictly business. Someone like Mr. Ashcroft was usually way out of their league.


    So Lavinia was quite taken aback at today''s turn of events. The entire Lancaster household was basking in unexpected glory.


    She quickly gestured for William to take Mr. Ashcroft to the back to rest. She knew Mr. Ashcroft wasn''t fond of these gatherings and was only here because of Miranda.


    Mr. Ashcroft didn''t refuse, but before leaving, he cast a meaningful nce at Elian and Miranda.


    Once Mr. Ashcroft had left, Elian started, "Ms. Lancaster, if we''re talking rtionships, I''d say I''m closer to Miranda. So, I''ll take care of her. No need for anyone else." His tone was arrogant butced with a hint of possessiveness.


    Sebastian chuckled. "Being close is one thing, but it''s not quite the same."


    The tension between the two entirely different men was almost palpable.


    Miranda nced between them, unsure why they suddenly seemed at odds. Lavinia, understanding something,ughed to ease the mood. "Well, the more, the merrier! Everyone can look after dear Miranda."


    Ah, her daughter was truly remarkable. Who would make the best son-inw? They all seemed quite suitable.


    Lavinia suppressed her excitement, trying to maintain herposed businesswoman persona.


    William, standing nearby, couldn''t help but think, "Ever since President Lancaster had her daughter back, she''s been acting like a teenager in love."


    Elian looked at Miranda, his eyebrows slightly raised in a yful greeting.


    Miranda thought, "Is he trying to greet me in some peculiar way?"


    "What do you think, Mira?" Elian suddenly asked, emphasizing "Mira" as he gazed at her with a half smile. Miranda was speechless.


    Sebastian narrowed his eyes. Given the rtionship between the Lancasters and the Ashcrofts, Elian was indeed close to Miranda.


    But this nickname calling didn''t sit well with the four Hawke brothers. After all, in terms of closeness, they were Miranda''s brothers by blood.


    "She''s not even the Lancaster heiress!" Arabe suddenly shouted, drawing everyone''s attention.


    She clenched her fists and stepped forward, ring at Miranda. "Ms. Lancaster, she''s not your daughter! And besides, you don''t even know she has...''


    She faltered, unsure if she should continue. She wanted to blurt out that Miranda had been in prison, but feared it might backfire.


    So she changed her approach. "How could she be your daughter? She must be deceiving you. I was her ssmate before, and everyone knows her character is questionable!"


    Mrs. Hawke couldn''t resist and asked again, "President Lancaster, how can she be your daughter? Isn''t there some misunderstanding?"


    Lysander, already irked by Miranda''s newfound status, instantly chimed in, "President Lancaster, Miranda does have a questionable past. We knew her before. Surely there''s been a mistake."


    Miranda turned to the Hawke family, a scornful smile ying on her lips. "Ms. Hawk, if you can be a Hawk, why can''t I be the Lancaster family''s daughter?"