When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0779

+25 BONUS

Silas said, “Still pretending you’re not into Miranda? You’re this worked up over her–it’s obvious you care. Guess I finally got you to admit it.”

Paul stayed silent.

Silas continued, “If you’re unsure, just ask her. Be direct. You said it yourself–Miranda doesn’t like people beating around the bush.”

Paul looked thoughtful.

“Stop dragging your feet! Wait too long, and she’ll end up with someone else. Let’s be real. You won’t get anything done until you clear this up.”

“Who says I’m not getting anything done?”

“Ha! You’re messing up basic data and still claiming that?” Silas pointed at the screen. ” Stubborn as ever.”

Paul glanced at the monitor, and a flicker of embarrassment crossed his face.

Silas patted him on the shoulder. “Good luck, bro!” He turned and headed back to his lab bench.

“When did you figure it out?” Paul asked suddenly.

Silas paused and smirked as he turned back. “Oh, the way you look at her gave it away ages ago. All those exceptions you made for her and the softer tone whenever you talked to her. Come on. Do you think I wouldn’t notice? Do you think I’m blind?”

Paul’s face turned awkward. “Is it… that obvious?”

“What do you think?”

“What are you guys talking about? Can you fill me in?” Elizabeth walked in and smiled.

Paul immediately masked his reaction and shot Silas a warning look.

Silas turned to face her, but behind his back, he flashed Paul an “OK” sign as if to say, Relax. I’ve got this. Your secret is safe.”

Elizabeth smiled and asked, “What’s the big secret, Dr. Quinton? Is it a top–secret project even I’m not allowed to know about?”

Though her words were directed at Silas, her gaze subtly shifted toward Paul, who sat a short distance away.

Silas gave a knowing smile. “Lizzy, you already said it’s a top–secret project, so you shouldn’t be asking too many questions.”

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0779

With that, he walked away with his hands behind his back.

Paul’s expression couldn’t hide anything from him, and Elizabeth’s was just as obvious.

“Morning, Dr. Quinton!” Bryan greeted him with a smile as he approached. He was holding breakfast for both himself and Elizabeth.

“Morning, Bry. Thank you for your hard work,” Silas said.

Bryan raised an eyebrow.

Lately, they hadn’t been rushing the experimental progress, so no one had been pulling all- nighters. Where was the hard work in that?

That evening, Paul got home earlier than usual. Standing at the apartment building entrance, he glanced up at Miranda’s apartment window. It was dark, and she wasn’t home yet.

Heading upstairs, he thought about making himself dinner but lost interest the moment he opened the fridge. He ended up making a cup of tea and went to his study.

He pulled up his unfinished paper and began typing. Half an hour later, he glanced at the time. Another half hour passed, and there was still no sign of movement next door.

Closing the document, Paul leaned back and rubbed his temples. When he reached for his

tea,

he realized the cup was empty, so he went to the kitchen to refill it.

As he drank, his gaze involuntarily drifted toward the wall. It was already 10:00 pm, and Miranda still hadn’t returned.

Suddenly, the sound of an engine outside broke the silence.

Paul immediately went to the balcony. Sure enough, he spotted Sam’s car parked on the street. Miranda stepped out, with Sam following close behind. They seemed to be chatting.

“I’ll walk you up,” Sam offered.

“No need,” she replied. “I didn’t bring much back, and it’s late. You’ve got work in the morning. Go home and get some rest.”

“Alright.” Sam didn’t insist.

“Take care.”

“Wait, Miranda…” Sam called after her.

She stopped and looked at him curiously.

Sam hesitated momentarily and was caught off guard by the way she looked at him. Her

2/3

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0779

gaze was focused and sincere, but it wasn’t the look a woman gives a man.

“Grandma said she had a great time today. She hopes you’ll visit again soon,” he said.

“Okay,” Miranda replied. She turned and headed inside.

He waited by his car until he saw the lights in her apartment flick on. Only then did he get back into his car and drive away.

That day, Miranda had spent time with his grandparents, sharing a meal, chatting, playing chess, and even fishing at a nearby pond.