When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0754

Miranda held the phone to her car in a daze.

The voice on the other end let out a soft chuckle. “What’s the matter? You’ve even called me by name now, but you’re still hesitating to meet me?

“Or… could it be that you don’t want to accept our current relationship, and everything you said before was mere talk?”

“Alright, wait there. I’ll come down now,” Miranda agreed without hesitation.

Sam was right. Given their relationship now, there was no reason for her to feel uneasy. Her straightforwardness left Sam momentarily speechless on the other end of the call.

After a moment, he continued, “Grandpa and Grandma had returned from Lumberville recently. Since they knew your project was finishing up, they sent me to pick you up for dinner at the Garrison estate now that you’re free.”

Aren and Fiona had spent quite a while in Lumberville. They grew more reluctant to leave the longer they stayed there. Not only did they get to see their daughter every day, but they were also well cared for by a reliable and considerate son–in–law like Lionel. Life there was nothing short of wonderful.

One day, Mindy received an invitation from her publishing house for a book signing event at Graneda, followed by an author meet–and–greet at Moonville. Naturally, Lionel planned to go with her.

The publisher had assured them that everything from accommodation, meals, and flights would be covered for Mindy and her family members. They promised to make her trip as pleasant as possible so that she’d be op participate in more book signing events in the future.

t had to be said that the publishing house went to great lengths to encourage Mindy’s appearance at physical

vents.

The elderly couple wanted to join her, but Mindy was the first to refuse the idea after considering the tiring journey and Fiona’s frail condition.

She initially planned to fly alone to Graneda, leaving Lionel at home to keep her parents company. Lionel didn’t mind, but Aren and Fiona wanted him to go with Mindy and take care of her along the way.

They were both putting each other above their own well–being.

Lionel was delighted that they were fighting over him. He hadn’t felt this important since his teaching days on the podium.

In the end, Mindy couldn’t convince her parents and took Lionel along with her.

With their daughter and son–in–law away, Aren and Fiona decided to return to Elgerson. After all, their home was there, and they had been away for a while.

Although they planned to eventually move to Lumberville to be closer to Mindy and Lionel, that was a decision for the future.

Moreover, their granddaughter was still in Elgerson. Having her over for dinner from time to time for a change was a good idea.

Miranda said, “I’ll head out now.”

“Wait a minute…” Sam suddenly spoke on the other end.

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+25 BONUS

Chapter 0754

“What?”

He cleared his throat and said, “Can I come up for a moment? I’d like to borrow your restroom.

Miranda agreed, “Sure, come on up.”

This was Sam’s first time visiting Miranda’s place despite knowing each other for so long. He looked around.

There was a vase on the coffee table, but there were no flowers inside. A small leaf was caught at the bottom of the

vase.

Perhaps she had just cleaned it out after the flowers wilted and missed that tiny leaf.

A spotless fish tank containing crystal–clear water was nearby. A few goldfish were swimming about lazily, swishing their tails.

This small home was her private space. Although it wasn’t large, it was cozy and tidy, filled with traces of her daily life.

Miranda invited him in. As she poured him a cup of tea, she gestured with her chin. “The restroom is over there… The slippers on the floor are new. You can change into them…”

Sam glanced down and saw a pair of new slippers next to another pair of men’s slippers. They were clearly worn and used.

Narrowing his eyes, Sam took a few seconds to suppress the surge of emotions within him as he headed restroom.

side, there were no traces of other men’s items.

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My dad brought this green tea last time he was over. It smells pretty good. Why don’t you give it a try?” Miranda placed the cup on the coffee table and looked up at Sam as he came out of the restroom.