Inside the vi, no one batted an eye when Miranda returned with an extra person in tow. They treated Crystal with the same deference they showed Miranda.


    The staff mostly stuck to their own duties, keeping a respectful distance from Miranda''sb and the herb garden, which were strictly off-limits.


    After Crystal moved in, she was temporarily settled in Miranda''s vi. Her eyes lit up with excitement when she saw the herbs growing in the garden, and the gloom that had once cloaked her seemed to lift. "Can I do some research here?"


    "Of course," Miranda replied.


    Little did Miranda know, those two simple words would pave the way for Crystal to be a sought-after herbalist and pharmacologist, with nations vying for her expertise.


    She also didn''t know that when Marion and Crystal got released, some enterprises and headhunters, vying for getting them on board, didn''t even spot them.


    With Crystal here taking care of the herb garden, Miranda was free to head to the studio for the filming of "Beyond Time: eSports Showdown", a reality show that would keep her in a hotel arranged by the production team for two weeks.


    Marion had arranged for an experienced assistant named Wendy to apany Miranda. Wendy, with her cute round face and short hair, was efficient and quick on her feet.


    Miranda shot a quick text to Elian, updating him on Mr. Ashcroft''s condition and reminding him of a few things, promising to follow up once she was less busy.


    The text from Elian the previous day still sat there unanswered. Elian had a habit of making his presence known daily, sending emojis or asking about her day. Miranda would sometimes reply, but often she didn''t bother.


    In her contacts, Sebastian was there. They hadn''t exchanged a single word yet since she epted his friend request.


    No sooner had she sent her message than Elian replied instantly.


    "Okay."


    A momentter.


    "My old injury is acting up a bit. Could you check it next time? Two hundred thousand."


    Miranda didn''t answer.


    Elian''s injuries were old news to her, non-threatening and not life-altering, so she didn''t feel like dealing with them.


    "Five hundred thousand?" Elian countered.


    Miranda nced at the message and typed back, "Deal."


    Elian quipped, "How are you so obsessed with money?"


    Miranda''s lips curled into a faint smile. She replied simply, "Once I''m done with work."


    Though Elian didn''t text back, Miranda could imagine his disgruntled expression.


    Elian stared at his phone, feeling a mix of frustration and gloom at her reply. Did it really take money to get her to engage?


    "Hmph, good thing I''m loaded."


    Not only had Elian amassed a small fortune over the years, but the Ashcroft family''s wealth was legendary, enough to sustain


    extravagant spending every mel


    even for generations without


    running out.


    So, if there was one thing Elian had in abundance, it was money.


    velet


    After reading Elian''s reply, Miranda turned off her phone screen. But it immediately buzzed with an iing call. She answered it.


    "Hello, is this Miranda?"


    Miranda furrowed her brows. "Who''s speaking?"


    "Hi, Ms. Hawk. I''d like to meet and discuss something with you," the voice on the other end had an official tone.


    "I''m swamped," Miranda said bluntly, ending the call.


    She had no interest in dealing with


    people


    and


    who called out of the bluet


    6en a proper introdu houtent


    Expected a meeting