When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0535

Raul laughed. “I wouldn’t call it wisdom, but I do have some experience.”

“I’d like to hear it,” Hansel said.

Raul sat in the chair next to him and began speaking slowly, “Like they said, keep things stable at home and enjoy some excitement on the side.

“At home, you need a woman to take care of all the daily chores, be kind to the elders, and raise the kids. When you need to entertain clients, you bring one of those young ones from outside.

“Those can help you with the drinks and keep the guests company. Afterward, a bit of money and they’re gone. It’s highly cost–effective.”

Hansel asked, “And your wife doesn’t mind?”

Raul replied, “What’s there to mind? She lives in a big house, carries designer bags, uses luxury cosmetics, and can buy whatever she wants with a credit card. She doesn’t even have to work. What’s there to be unhappy about?”

Hansel pressed further, “What if one day she asks for a divorce?”

“That’s impossible. Women, once they’ve been kept, lose their ability to survive. Their wings have. withered, and they can’t fly away even if they want to,” Raul said, his face full of disdain.

“And if her wings don’t wither and she really does leave?”

Raul paused, momentarily thrown off. He had never considered the possibility of his wife actually leaving

him.

Hansel stood up and patted his shoulder. “Mr. Levy, sometimes you shouldn’t speak too confidently because…”

Raul looked puzzled. “Because?”

“When your words hit you back in the face, it’ll hurt.”

With that, Hansel climbed into the golf cart. “Enjoy your game, I’m heading out.”

“Huh?” Raul blinked in confusion.

After leaving the golf course, Hansel had planned to drive back to the mansion, but somehow, he ended up outside the gates of Bedford College,

This time, he didn’t park at the entrance. Instead, he pulled over across the street, rolled down the window, and lit a cigarette in silence.

Through the swirling smoke, he gazed at the campus gates, which hadn’t changed at all in six years.

It was there that he had first met Miranda. One look at her, and his heart raced uncontrollably.

He had confessed to her there, too. With a bouquet of roses in hand, he had taken step after step toward the woman he held so dear.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0535

When he finally hugged her, Hansel felt like he had the whole world.

When did it all start to change?

When the company finally found its footing, when his company became publicly listed, just as he had. always dreamed, and then he suddenly had more free time.

When the drinks and card games with Calvin and the others no longer satisfied his restless heart, he started looking for bigger thrills.

Looking back now at all the women who passed through his life, Hansel felt nothing but emptiness. If he could have a second chance, all he wanted was to stay with Miranda. Clean and simple.

But it was too late.

By the time he returned to the mansion, it was already dark.

Martha was still there. “Mr. Johnson, you’re home.”

Hansel gave a brief nod and walked past her, heading upstairs, but then suddenly stopped. “Martha?” he called, turning back.

Martha, who hadn’t managed to leave before Hansel’s return, was somewhat shocked. “Y–Yes, Mr. Johnson, do you need something?”

Hansel said, “Let me borrow your phone.”

Cautiously, Martha handed him her phone from her bag. “Mr. Johnson, don’t be upset. Whatever it is, let’s talk it through calmly. Getting angry is bad for your health.”

She was mainly concerned about the safety of her phone.

Hansel didn’t respond to that and dialed Miranda’s number.

–

…Hello?

“Sorry, I might have been a bit harsh earlier today. The land is yours. I’m not that low to try to take back what I gave you.”

Miranda frowned, unsure what game he was playing now,

Hansel continued, “I’ll sign the papers. Let’s talk tomorrow.”

There was a pause before she answered, “Alright.”

I’m calling from Martha’s phone. It’s not exactly convenient. If possible, could you unblock me?”