When fate plays its hand Chapter 812
Chapter 0812
Paul showed no hesitation and readily agreed.
Sam’s expression darkened. “I’m sorry, but I just remembered we don’t have extra plates or utensils.”
“There are disposable ones in the cupboard,” Miranda interjected, standing up. “I’ll grab them.”
She left the room before either man could respond.
Paul sat across from Sam and casually glanced at the spread on the table. “This looks amazing. Everything is so well–prepared.”
Sam offered a faint smile. “Doesn’t your lab keep you busy, Dr. Jefferson? You must have a lot of time on your hands to be dropping by for meals uninvited.”
“Things are winding down at this time of the year, so it’s been relatively relaxed,” Paul replied easily. “As for the meal, it wasn’t in my plans. But since you were kind enough to invite me, declining would’ve seemed rude.”
Sam’s face stiffened.
Paul’s gaze remained calm as he continued, “On the other hand, Mr. Cooper, your corporate responsibilities must be piling up with the holiday banquet preparations. How did you find the time to deliver food?”
“It’s for Mimi. No matter how busy I am, I’ll always make time for her,” Sam replied curtly.
Paul smiled faintly, unfazed by the pointed use of Miranda’s nickname.
Sam frowned. He decided to drop the pretense. “Paul, do you have feelings for Miranda?”
Though phrased as a question, his tone carried certainty, as if he already knew the answer.
Paul didn’t immediately reply. Instead, he countered, “Are you asking me as an ordinary man or as her cousin?”
Sam looked surprised. “She told you about our relationship?”
Paul’s lips curved slightly. “That confirms my suspicion. The other day when you picked her up, you were deliberately creating a false impression.”
Sam neither confirmed nor denied the accusation, simply remarking, “You didn’t bother asking the right questions. That’s on you.”
Paul’s sharp gaze didn’t waver. “Mr. Cooper, I’m curious. How do you view your relationship with Miranda? Is it something so unspeakable that you feel the need to blur the lines and let others misunderstand?”
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0812
Sam smirked, his confidence unshaken. “So, you actually misunderstood? What exactly did you think? That Miranda and I are together? But tell me, Dr. Jefferson, what does
you care so much?” Miranda’s relationship status have to do with you? Why do
And there it was again–the original question. Did he, Paul Jefferson, have feelings for Miranda?
Sam continued, “You’re free to dodge the question, but don’t change the subject.”
Paul replied evenly, “You haven’t answered my question either–what capacity are you asking this in?”
. Sam narrowed his eyes. “Does it matter? Would my answer differ between being a cousin
or an ordinary man?”
“It matters,” Paul said firmly. “If you’re asking as an ordinary man, I owe you no explanation. We barely know each other.”
Sam stayed silent, sensing the pointed truth in Paul’s words.
“But,” Paul added, “if you’re asking as Miranda’s cousin, then as her family, I respect your position and will answer honestly.”
Sam’s eyes narrowed further as he pressed, “You’re admitting you have feelings for her.”
Paul nodded, meeting his gaze without hesitation. “Yes, I do. I like her.”
Anger flared in Sam’s chest, but he forced himself to remain composed as his lips curled into a cold smile. “Finally, you admit it!”
Paul tilted his head slightly, confusion flickering across his face. “Is admitting to liking someone such a taboo? Why should it be something I can’t say out loud?”
Sam found himself momentarily at a loss for words. For just a fleeting moment, he envied
Paul.
He envied Paul’s ability to declare his feelings openly and boldly, to wear his heart on his sleeve without fear of judgment or rejection.