When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0534

A flicker of something dark passed through Paul’s eyes.

Sam said, “I heard you’re usually very busy, Dr. Jefferson, spending most of your time in the lab. You seem to be home quite early today.”

“Heard?” Paul asked coolly. “Who told you that?”

Paul had a lecture that day, covering a course for the Faculty of Bioinformatics, but only Madison and Sebastian had shown up. When he asked, he learned that Miranda had taken the day off, having informed the counselor.

He usually stayed late in the lab after class, grabbing a quick lunch at the cafeteria before heading back to work. It was rare for him to come home at this time,

But today was an exception.

Sam smirked. “Mimi, of course.”

Paul remained expressionless. “Did Mimi also tell you that parking is not allowed at the corner?”

“Don’t worry, I’m leaving right now.” Sam smiled as he drove off.

After driving a short distance, he suddenly paused.

Wait… Did Paul just call her “Mimi“?

Watching Sam’s car disappear into the distance, Paul turned and headed upstairs. However, he didn’t go straight home. Instead, he knocked on the door next to his.

“Miranda, are you there?”

After a few seconds, she answered, “Yes, Dr. Jefferson

The door opened, and Paul looked her over. “Are you alright?”

“Huh?” Miranda blinked in confusion.

“I didn’t see you in class today. The counselor said you took the day off.”

“Yes, I had to take care of something.”

“Was it related to the lab’s required changes?”

“Mhm.” Miranda nodded lightly.

“How did it go?”

Miranda smiled faintly. “I’m almost done, just one last step.

“Do you need any help?”

“No, I’m fine.”

Sam was right–ho one could force Hansel to sign unless he wanted to.

+

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0534

Paul’s gaze flickered. “I ran into Sam at the corner just now.”

“Oh, he gave me a ride home.”

“You two went together?”

“No,” Miranda replied without thinking much. “We just ran into each other. I had some trouble, and luckily he was there.”

Paul’s eyes grew even darker. He then said, “Good to hear you’re okay. Your dad’s braised beef was delicious. Tell him I said thanks.”

Miranda chuckled. “He’ll be thrilled to hear that.”

“I’m just being honest–he’s a great cook.”

Meanwhile, after Hansel left the restaurant, he didn’t go back to the office. Instead, he asked Joe to reschedule his golf game with Raul Levy.

Joe was confused.

Didn’t he cancel all his appointments, including the dinner? How was he done so soon?

It seemed like things didn’t go well with Miranda.

It ought to be best for him to keep his head down for a while, Joe thought while sighing to himself.

Under the blue sky, with a light breeze blowing, the vast green of the golf course stretched out before them.

Hansel stared blankly into the distance, expressionless. Then he gripped his club and swung, sending the ball flying with a sharp gust of wind.

The ball soared, tracing a perfect arc.

Rauf handed his club to the caddie and applauded. “Nice shot!”

Hansel walked to the rest area, but there was no hint of joy on his face despite the praise.

Raul’s eyes gleamed. “Mr. Johnson, you don’t seem to be in a good mood.”

Hansel took the bottle of water the caddie offered, drank a sip, and remained silent.

“Is it business?” Raul asked.

Hansel didn’t respond.

Raul chuckled knowingly. “So, it’s about a woman.”

Hansel raised an eyebrow. “And what’s your take on that, Mr. Levy?”

Raul smiled, “Women, to us, can be either a decorative piece to enhance our success or a crutch to support us. Different women serve different purposes. As long as you can tell the difference and don’t

Chapter 0534

mix them up, life can be very comfortable.”

“Oh? It seems you speak from experience, Mr. Levy?”