Chapter 19

Miranda moved further away as she spoke on the phone with Christian. Winona, who was in the room, clamped a hand over her mouth, stifling the tears that threatened to break through. She knew how much her parents loved her. Even though they had remained silent in the store, she knew that they would exact retribution on her behalf later. In the following days, everyone tacitly agreed not to bring up the subject again. Winona and her parents only returned to Havenport by plane once they had completely enjoyed their stay in Shadowbrook. The very next day after Winona's return marked her 26th birthday. Having been pampered by the Chapmans since childhood, her birthdays had always been a grand affair, complete with fireworks across the city. This time, the Chapman family held Winona's birthday celebration with exceptional grandeur. The day of the celebration saw dignitaries and well-known individuals from all corners of society, each arriving to convey their good wishes to Winona. The lu