Compared to the past when he had to hide his true self, Cason now appeared much steadier, as if he had achieved his desires.

Miranda didn't want to engage him but had questions for Melvin, so she sat down.

"Cason, let me speak first, and then you can have a good talk with my fellow apprentice." Melvin's voice was pleasant and soothing as he smiled.

Cason had to suppress his longing for now, focusing on pouring tea for the two.

"Does Senior Melvin know what I want to ask?" Miranda raised her gaze, a hint of surprise in her eyes.

Melvin nodded with a smile, his eyes deep and dark behind gold-rimmed glasses.

"Regarding the complicated history between me, your mother Joselyn, and your biological father Absolon, I imagine you're quite interested."

Melvin spoke openly, slowly recounting the events.

Miranda remained composed, sipping her tea despite the shock.

Melvin then briefly explained the past, including how he met Joselyn and what happened afterward.

The general situation matched what Miranda and Lilah had speculated.

Miranda planned to organize his words and relay them to Lilah later.

"Alright, I've explained what needed explaining. Fellow apprentice Miranda, I believe that you and Miss Lilah aim to find and recognize your mother aren't meant to cause her distress. Therefore, you and Miss Lilah should discuss carefully how to proceed without causing unintended trouble."

Melvin was undeniably a true gentleman.

After speaking, he left, giving Miranda and Cason the time and space to themselves.

"Just say what you need to." Miranda glanced at her watch, feeling a surge of impatience, especially when alone with Cason.

She always wished time would pass more quickly in these moments.

Cason hesitated for a moment and then gave a bitter smile. "I didn't realize you find me so unbearable now. We've been alone for less than three minutes, and you're already eager to send me away?"

"I thought I made myself clear back then." Miranda sighed, her words blunt and unreserved. "Cason, countless people have said that you and I are from different worlds. There's no need to force something that isn't meant to be. It's not good for either of us."

Cason's expression darkened, the smile in his eyes slowly dissipating."You're just looking for excuses, " he said, a hint of frustration in his voice.

"You know as well as I do that if we both want it, no one in this world can truly keep us apart. Miranda, I can tell you with full responsibility that I've taken the reins of the Sanderson family, with full authority now. There's no need to hide my abilities anymore or pretend to be a spoiled heir. You..."

"So what?" Miranda was particularly clear-headed." The impression you've given everyone is that you turned over a new leaf after being hurt by a woman. If I show up in public again, how would your family perceive you? Wouldn't they think you're a hypocrite who says one thing and does another? Would they still respect your leadership?"

Her voice was sharp and cold, striking straight at Cason's heart.

An indescribable bitterness spread through him, nearly overwhelming him.