When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0741

Nelly’s smile became slightly strained. “Is that so? Lionel is truly a family man…”

As everyone enjoyed their meal, the doorbell suddenly rang. Sam put down his cutlery, “I’ll get it,” he said, heading to the entryway.

A few seconds later, his surprised voice echoed through the house. “Dad? What are you doing here?”

Mindy’s hand froze in mid–motion. Lionel looked confused as he mentally pieced together the family

connections.

Sam’s dad? That would make him Nelly’s husband and Mindy’s brother–in–law…

Aren and Fiona exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with concern and confusion. Why had Timothy come so

suddenly?

They hadn’t informed him about finding Mindy. Could Sam have told him? Well, it wasn’t impossible.

Only Nelly reacted differently. The moment she heard Timothy’s voice, her body stiffened, and a mocking smile curved her lips.

He sure got here fast…..

Meanwhile, Sam led Timothy into the house, through the living room, and over to the dining area.

The man was dressed sharply in a tailored suit, layered under a light gray overcoat. His tall frame carried an

air of refinement.

Rain had started to fall. Judging by the dampness of his shoulders, he’d likely arrived in a hurry.

As soon as he stepped inside, his gaze locked onto Mindy.

It didn’t waver. It was as if the entire world had vanished, leaving only her in his eyes.

The woman he had thought about for decades, yearned for decades–his eternal regret.

“Honey, you’re here,” Nelly said with a bright smile, standing up to link her arm with his. “You got here much faster than I expected. Look, guess who’s here? That’s right, it’s Minnie! We finally found her! Aren’t you happy?”

Timothy didn’t reply, nor did his gaze shift, but he gently freed his arm from Nelly’s grasp. For a moment, she froze, then recovered as her smile grew even more dazzling.

“Min, do you remember him? This is Timothy! When we were kids, you always chased after him, calling him

Tim Tim.

“All these years, he’s been the one searching for you the hardest, apart from Mom and Dad. Now that he’s found you, wouldn’t you say he’s lived up to being a good brother–in–law?”

Yes, Timothy had come because Nelly had called him.

Perhaps it was to show off, maybe with an underlying hint of retribution, or perhaps she simply wanted him to see firsthand what she assumed had become of Minnie–reduced to an ordinary, worn–down version of herself after decades of hardship.

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+25 BONUS

Chapter 0741

So, Nelly had informed Timothy at the first opportunity. Of course, he had wanted to come, too–so much so

that he couldn’t wait.

After all, the woman he had yearned for, the one who occupied his every thought, was finally within reach.

Technically, he should still have been on his way back to Elgerson from Skydale. But instead, he had arrived overnight.

Nelly knew at a glance that he must have driven all night from Skydale to get here. Was he truly so desperate

to see her?

Even went as far as driving through the night. Nelly didn’t know someone as composed as Timothy could act

so recklessly!

She clenched her fists. Her heart ached with frustration, yet she forced herself to maintain her smile. Nonetheless, her little performance failed to draw any of Timothy’s attention.

At this moment, his focus was entirely on Mindy.

She hadn’t changed at all–still as he remembered her. Gentle and serene, with a quiet beauty that radiated like the fragrance of lilies, captivating and timeless.

“Honey, why aren’t you saying anything? Mom and Dad are here,” Nelly prompted through gritted teeth.

Timothy finally snapped out of his daze. He greeted Aren and Fiona politely before turning back to Mindy.‘ It’s been a long time…”

• His eyes held a storm of emotions–conflicted, layered, and impossible to decipher.

Mindy smiled softly. Her voice was as calm as always as she said, “Hi there, Tim.”