When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0896

Miranda accepted the money and said, “I don’t think Joli would accept it.

“Just tell him it’s from me, and refusing it would be rude. I’m sure he’ll accept it,” Christine said.

“Got it.”

After handling everything, Miranda resumed her usual routine. She shuttled between the lab, college, and home. Once she immersed herself in her work, she realized how quickly time had passed.

Even Madison couldn’t help but comment, “Miranda is like the carrot on a stick. As long as I see it, I push myself to keep going even when I’m exhausted.”

Sebastian laughed at that, and she frowned. “What’s so funny? Are you saying you’re not like that?”

He replied, “I’m not a workhorse.”

Madison blinked. She thought, “Wait… What does that even mean? He’s not a workhorse, so does that mean I am?”

Everything went smoothly for Joli as well. Not long after Miranda and the others left, he and his parents packed up and left the village.

The neighbors were wondering what would happen to the cherry orchard. It wasn’t just the Sneider brothers who were interested in it. Other villagers were also eyeing, but most held back and hesitated to make a move. After all, who wouldn’t want a piece of land that could bring in profit?

Once word spread that the Cliffords were leaving and the Sneider brothers were arrested, everyone’s minds began to race.

Every day, people started showing up at the Clifford residence. They spoke in subtle hints and probing questions to pry information from Ollie.

As Joli put it, their home had never been this lively–not even at Christmas.

Some even asked Ollie outright if he would give up the orchard since they were leaving the village. He was so angry that he almost laughed out of disbelief. Even distant relatives and family acquaintances from the neighboring village showed up and hoped to get in on the deal.

Ollie said, “Since everyone is here, I’ll just say this once. I’m not planning to sell the cherry orchard or give it away for free.”

“But if you all move out, who will manage it? You can’t just let it sit there going to waste- that would be such a shame,” someone argued,

Ollie replied, “Of course not. I’ve already signed a contract to hand the orchard to a farming company.”

“A farming company? Are you serious? With a plot this small, do you think they will want it? If you don’t want to give it to us, just say so. No need to spin some ridiculous excuse.”

The villagers left in a huff, though it was apparent what they were all thinking–once the Clifford family left the village, whoever acted the fastest would claim the orchard for

themselves. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

But the next day, after the Cliffords had moved out, the farming company sent people to take over the orchard. The villagers were stunned.

“So, the Cliffords did hand it over to a farming company,” one muttered.

“What kind of crazy luck did the Cliffords stumble into lately? I hear they’re even buying a house in the city. And on top of that, the Snider brothers were arrested. That’s just…”

another said in disbelief.

People were strange. They felt sorry for others when they were down but couldn’t stand it when they were doing well.

Joli purchased a second–hand apartment near Oasis Hospital. The property came with guaranteed enrollment at a reputable middle school in the Cinder Valley.

It was a three–bedroom apartment, fully furnished and ready for immediate move–in. At 1.3 million dollars, it was a practical choice, and he paid the full amount upfront without

hesitation.

This purchase resolved two pressing concerns Wanda’s medical care and Julie’s education. He handed the remaining money to Ollie and encouraged him to start a small business if he felt up to it.

After considering for two days, Ollie decided to sell homemade desserts. Using a portable setup, he planned to go around nearby neighborhoods to sell his goods or set up a small table in the local park.

This approach helped him avoid the cost of renting a storefront and turned it into a low- risk venture. Once he sold everything for the day, he would pack up and head home to prepare dinner for the family.

On Theodore’s side, things were also looking up. After regaining consciousness, his health indicators steadily improved.

Chapter Gibbs,

Two weeks later, he was finally discharged from the hospital. By the third day, he was back at college, attending classes.

He hosted a dinner to thank Paul, Miranda, Sebastian, and Madison for their help, “Mg dat insisted I personally thank Dr. Jefferson and Miranda,” he said earnestly,

Everything moved in the right direction, including Miranda’s new research project. The only one who didn’t seem pleased was probably…