Recalling the incident from four years ago, Jade spoke with calculated ambiguity.
"Quinn... I never actually said you poisoned me back then. Perhaps it was all just a misunderstanding."
Miles looked down at her, his dark gaze gentle and reassuring.
"Jade, you don't need to defend her. If you want soup, I'll have Gail make you a fresh batch."
Jade waved a hand, playing the understanding victim. "It's fine. I don't usually eat this late anyway. I just wanted to keep you company."
Miles guided Jade inside. Jack had a maid serve the hot broth and smiled.
"Sir, the madam spent hours simmering this nutritious soup the moment she got home today."
However, upon noticing Jade's presence, Jack's smile quickly faded.
Jade's expression remained perfectly sweet. "Miles, don't be hard on your stomach. If Quinn doesn't want me to have it, that's fine, but don't let her hard work go to waste."
Miles remained entirely unmoved. "Jack, throw the soup away."
Jade tugged at his sleeve, her voice soft and coaxing. "What a waste to throw it out. Miles, let me share a few bites with you."
Miles instantly softened his tone. "Alright."
Quinn stood in silence, watching the soup she had painstakingly prepared for hours being spooned into Jade's mouth.
A bitter, self-deprecating smile pulled at the corners of her lips as a suffocating wave of coldness washed over her heart.
Miles, we're even now. I owe you absolutely nothing.
...
The morning mist gave way to bright sunlight, signaling the start of a new day.
Miles and Jade were seated together for breakfast. "Miles, is Quinn avoiding breakfast because I'm here?"
Quinn had actually eaten earlier. Unwilling to look at them, she had simply retreated to her room.
"She's nobody important. Don't worry about her."
"Gail is in the kitchen. She knows how to make it. If you want some, ask her—"
Macy's eyes widened in a furious glare. "Quinn, I told you to do it, and you're trying to push it onto Gail? Let me tell you, Gail is busy and doesn't have the time."
Realizing Macy was being completely unreasonable, Quinn dropped all pleasantries and scoffed.
"Macy, I'm not your maid. You have no right to order me around."
Macy flared up instantly. Remembering how Quinn had pushed her last time, she wasn't about to let it slide.
Her tone turned razor-sharp and vindictive as she let out a cold sneer.
"You'd better watch your mouth, Quinn. I heard your deadbeat brother was out dragging my brother's name through the mud yesterday, using the York family's reputation to score points for himself."
Quinn's gaze snapped to Jade, her fingers curling into tight fists. She knew exactly who had fed Macy that information.
Jade returned a serene smile, as if silently taunting: So what if I told her? If your brother acts like that, why fear the gossip?
"If you don't go make that tea right now, I'm calling my mom. If she finds out your brother is out there ruining Miles's reputation, do you have any idea how fast she'd destroy him?"

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: She Walked Away With His Twins While He Begged the Ground She Walked On
I would have accepted the jerk husband ending up with the heroine if he’s only powerful, intelligent but he’s so powerless and so stupid....
Can you make Ethan be the endgame? That Miles is a total jerk....