Too Late to Hold Me Back novel Chapter 223

She had explicitly warned them last time, yet they still lacked situational awareness.

Mira was deeply exasperated with her friends.

Their operational security was terrible; she resolved never to share classified information with them again.

As they reached the school gates, Elara nudged Mira's arm. "Mira, I didn't breathe a word to anyone, not even my dad. And I never will."

"I trust you. I'll include you next time there's an opportunity."

Elara was naturally cautious and possessed a meticulous, tight-lipped nature.

Once home, right before dinner, Mira transferred $120,000 to Rachel, and $600,000 to each of the Iron Wolves.

"This much? Mira, did you use your own money to pad this?"

"No, Rachel, this is pure profit."

"Then keep it safe for me. I'll ask for it when I need it."

"You should let Mason hold onto it."

"Absolutely not. If he knows we're sitting on this kind of cash, he'll lose his drive. Boys need to hustle and stay hungry."

"Isn't that a bit extreme? Mason isn't that kind of guy."

Mira was genuinely surprised; the normally warm and generous Rachel had a ruthlessly pragmatic side.

"I still have to protect myself. When he settles down and buys a house, I'll help him. But I'm not handing over every cent I own. A mother needs her own nest egg."

Mira and the Iron Wolves stared at her, as if seeing her for the first time.

"Don't look at me like that, it's just life experience. Remember this, Mira: always keep a safety net. Never show your full hand to anyone—not your future boyfriend, husband, or kids. Don't plot against people, but never stop protecting yourself."

"Back in my hometown, I saw so many seniors drain their life savings for their kids. But when they got too old to work and needed help, those same kids treated them like burdens. A paid nurse treats you better than ungrateful children."

"You make a fair point. Self-reliance is the only absolute security."

Mira knew this harsh truth intimately; across two lifetimes, hadn't her own blood parents and brothers discarded her?

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