She Used Me for a Dare… Now I Own Her Mother Chapter 437: Someone You Know

Tisha watched as the door clicked shut behind her.

For a few seconds, she remained still, her hand still on the doorknob, her eyes quietly surveying her friend.

Behind the expansive desk, Miranda was seated upright, yet her gaze seemed lost, her eyes burdened with a silent sorrow.

With a soft exhale, Tisha crossed the office. Her movements were deliberate and unhurried. She carefully placed the file on the desk, then pulled out the chair opposite Miranda and settled into it.

The space between them remained silent, a heavy shroud filled with unspoken thoughts.

Tisha finally broke the quiet, her voice cutting and tinged with exasperation.

"Are you still weeping over that imbecile?"

Miranda offered no immediate reply, her eyes fixed on the nameplate on her desk—Miranda Whitman—as if the engraved words themselves were a cruel jest.

After an extended silence, she finally spoke, her voice barely a whisper, laced with uncertainty.

"I'm at a loss, Tisha," Miranda confessed softly, her voice thick with emotion. "I truly don't know if I should celebrate or despair. I've finally attained the Presidency, the very position I've yearned for, but alas... there's no one to share this triumph with."

She paused, her eyes clouding over as she murmured,

"They took him."

"And he fully deserved it," Tisha declared without reservation, her voice sharp and laced with fury.

She looked intently at Miranda, her chest tightening with a surge of frustration. It pained her to witness her friend—the same woman who had always exuded strength, composure, and control—now appearing so utterly broken and adrift.

Miranda closed her eyes briefly, as if hearing Tisha's words aloud solidified their painful reality.

"I issued him warnings," she stated, her voice cracking slightly. "For years, I cautioned him. I told him his insatiable greed would eventually be his downfall. I implored him to cease playing a double game. But he refused to heed my advice."

Her eyes reopened, and Tisha detected the unshed tears beginning to well within them.

"I always foresaw this," Miranda continued, her voice heavy with regret. "I just... I never imagined it would truly reach this point. I believed he possessed enough sense to remain within acceptable bounds. But no. He had to push further. He chose to betray those who had elevated him."

Tisha leaned forward, her expression serious yet softened with concern.

"Miranda... you exhausted every avenue. You confronted him. You distanced yourself. You warned him repeatedly. This is not your burden to bear."

Miranda gazed at Tisha, her eyes swimming with silent despair.

"What am I expected to do now, Tisha? Feign ignorance? Wear a smile and play the part of the new President while the man I once cherished is likely enduring torture?"

Tisha extended her hand across the desk, gently resting it over Miranda's.

"You do what you've always done," she stated firmly. "You safeguard the students. You protect this university. And you ensure that Pierce's transgressions do not dismantle all that he was meant to uphold."

Miranda looked towards Tisha, her eyes brimming with a fragile hope and a plea.

"Are we truly unable to rescue him?" she inquired, her voice quivering. "I've sought assistance from numerous individuals... yet no one possesses the courage to heed my words."

She paused momentarily, then leaned in slightly, her gaze fixed intently on Tisha.

"Tisha... I've heard whispers about you," she said, her tone almost desperate. "Please... you can aid me this time. I'm on my knees begging you."

Tisha let out a prolonged sigh as she observed her friend. Witnessing Miranda—normally so resolute and composed—reduced to such a state of pleading brought a pang to Tisha's heart.

"I truly wish I didn't have to..." Tisha murmured, rubbing her forehead. "But I can't resist that pleading look of yours for long."

She leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms.

"Listen... I do possess certain methods," Tisha admitted with gravity. "However, no one can compel others to act against their will. You must offer them something of significant value—a substantial favor, or something even more precious than Gerald himself."

She paused briefly, then added,

"Or perhaps... influence someone whose words carry undeniable weight."

A spark of hope ignited in Miranda's eyes.

Tisha fell silent for a few moments, her mind engaged in deep contemplation. Her fingers tapped rhythmically on the armrest as she weighed her available options.

At length, she spoke again.

"Let's explore the possibilities," she said slowly. "I can only hope that it proves effective."

Without another word, Tisha reached into her bag, retrieved her phone, and dialed a number. She brought the device to her ear and waited.

Miranda watched with expectant eyes as Tisha completed the call. The phone rang for an extended period, each ring amplifying the palpable tension within the room. Finally, a voice answered.

A deep, resonant tone, imbued with evident affection, emanated from the speaker.

"Hello darling... it seems you're already missing me."

Miranda’s eyes widened in sheer astonishment. She gazed at Tisha, utterly taken aback by the sudden warmth in the man’s voice on the phone.

Tisha’s lips curved into a gentle smile as she answered, her tone mirroring his own warmth.

"Yes… how could I not? It feels like ages since we last spoke."

A soft chuckle emanated from the other end of the line.

"I’ve been thinking about you too," the man stated. "You have this peculiar habit of occupying my thoughts constantly."

Tisha emitted a light laugh, her voice becoming even softer.

"Peculiar, you say? That’s not quite what you said the last time we met."

Miranda remained seated, frozen in her chair, observing their conversation in stunned silence. She had never before witnessed Tisha speak in such a manner… so tender, so playful, so undeniably intimate.

Following a few more endearing exchanges, Tisha’s demeanor gradually transformed. The warmth in her voice dissipated, yielding to a more serious tone.

She inhaled deeply and declared,

"Listen closely… I require your assistance."

A brief silence followed on the other end before the man responded, his tone shifting to match hers.

"What has transpired?" he inquired, his voice now grave.

Tisha briefly glanced at Miranda before continuing,

"It’s quite urgent… A close friend of mine is in desperate need of your help."

After a short pause, she inquired again,

"Where are you at this very moment?"

"I am at home," he replied instantly.

Tisha nodded, her voice firm and resolute.

"Then remain there. I am on my way."

Tisha slowly placed the phone back on the desk. She then turned to face Miranda, who was observing her with wide, questioning eyes. It was evident that Miranda’s mind was abuzz with countless inquiries.

"Who was that, Tisha?" Miranda finally managed to ask, unable to contain her curiosity any longer.

Tisha regarded her for a prolonged moment, her expression unreadable. Then, with a small, enigmatic smile, she replied,

"Someone you are acquainted with…"

Miranda blinked, clearly bewildered.

"Someone I know…?"

Tisha offered no further explanation. Instead, she rose from her seat and gently took Miranda’s hand.

"Come, let’s depart," she urged. "You shall understand once we arrive."

Miranda hesitated momentarily before slowly standing. She cast one final glance at the nameplate on her desk before following Tisha toward the exit.

As they exited the office, Tisha addressed Miranda’s secretary with a calm demeanor,

"Please cancel all of her scheduled meetings for the remainder of the day. Inform the board that the President has an urgent personal matter to attend to."

The secretary nodded obediently, without questioning the instruction.

The two women proceeded through the tranquil corridors of the university. Their conversation was sparse. Miranda’s thoughts were a whirlwind of unanswered questions, yet she placed enough trust in Tisha to remain silent for the time being.

They arrived at the parking area. Tisha skillfully unlocked her car and opened the passenger door for Miranda.

"Please, step in," she said with a slight smile. "The destination isn't far."

Miranda entered the vehicle without a word. Tisha started the engine and began to drive, exiting the university grounds.

***

The car moved with considerable speed along the city streets. Tisha navigated with focused composure, her hands steady on the steering wheel as the speedometer climbed steadily.

Soon, the opulent structures of the affluent residential district began to line both sides of the road… towering glass edifices, exclusive private villas, and guarded communities. However, Tisha did not decelerate. She continued her journey, traversing the luxurious neighborhood until the vibrant city lights began to recede in their wake.

They were now venturing beyond the city limits.

Miranda’s mind was in a state of complete disarray. A thousand questions cascaded through her thoughts, each one more insistent than the last.

’Who was that man on the phone? Why did Tisha sound so affectionate towards him? Where is she taking me? And what is his connection to all of this?’

She subtly observed Tisha from the corner of her eye. Her friend appeared remarkably composed… almost casual… as if they were merely out for a leisurely drive. This composure only amplified Miranda’s growing anxiety.

Ultimately, she could suppress her urge to ask no longer.

"Where exactly are we headed?" Miranda inquired, her voice tinged with both confusion and apprehension.

Tisha offered no direct gaze, keeping her eyes fixed on the road ahead, her expression serene.

"You will soon discover," she replied simply.

Before Miranda could formulate another question, Tisha gradually reduced the car’s speed and turned onto a broad, private road flanked by a dense canopy of tall trees.

"We have arrived," she announced nonchalantly.

Miranda’s gaze followed Tisha’s, and her eyes widened in surprise.

A grand, elegantly designed black signboard stood prominently at the commencement of the long driveway.

Roland Estate.