He nodded, smiling, “After searching for so long, we finally have a lead. Are you happy?"

Miranda pressed her lips together, not speaking.

She thought of Lilah and recalled the deal she made with Cason.

Love-struck? Please, someone who's been through what I have doesn't fall head over heels.

"Are you still unwilling to accept my proposal?" Cason asked, looking at Miranda's gentle profile, a hint of helplessness in his voice.

Her expression shifted slightly, taking two steps back to distance herself, "Mr. Sanderson, we were clear from the beginning. You help me find someone, I help you cover up. Once it's done, we owe each other nothing. Are you planning to breach the agreement?"

She never trusted men.

Over the years, she'd met and used many, none of whom she genuinely admired, including the ambitious man in front of her, who seemed gentle on the outside but was tough within.

Cason chuckled self-deprecatingly. Although he knew the answer, hearing it again still hurt.

"I specifically brought you this scar cream. It can remove the scar on your face, " he said, taking a box of ointment from his pocket and handing it over.

Miranda glanced at it, hesitated for a moment, and didn't take it.

Cason suddenly grew a bit angry.

"As a friend, can't I be concerned about you? Are you so worried about being indebted to me, so worried I'll ask you to repay it? Do you really see me as someone only driven by self- interest?" he hissed through gritted teeth.

"Whether you are or not is not for me to consider. Besides, I owe you nothing, " Miranda replied after a brief silence, turning her head coldly, unwilling to say more.

Cason grew even more dissatisfied, thinking of Lilah.

Miranda seemed to care a lot about this sister she picked up along the way.

He frowned and said, "Miranda, your sister, Lilah, seems quite nice, you know. My uncle also likes your face, maybe you should..."

Before he could finish, he was abruptly choked by someone.

Miranda's expression was one he had never seen before—cold and filled with a murderous aura that even made him shiver in fear.

"Mr. Sanderson, I warn you, if you dare to have any designs on my sister, I will make sure you fall from grace and shatter, " she stated, her voice low yet firm, like a stone thrown into a calm lake, causing a ripple of shock.

Cason was stunned, incredulous as he looked at the girl before him. Since they met, he had never seen her this angry.

"Let go! What's your rush? Let go of me!" Cason almost couldn't breathe, struggling to break free, but Miranda only tightened her grip.

"Don't think I'm joking, Cason. You don't have lives to spare,"

Miranda spoke again, her voice deep and frightening.