When fate plays its hand
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Chapter 0202

What… What was that about?

That familiar tone and movement between them suggested they had traveled together countless times it even hinted at the possibility that they were living together.

Sandy watched as the car disappeared from view, then slowly turned her gaze back and pinched Bryant’s hand. “Bry, did I see that right?”

Bryan winced in pain. “Sandy, could you pinch yourself next time?”

Why was he always the one getting hurt?

Sandy responded confidently, “You’re young, you heal quickly. A pinch won’t hurt you

Bryan sighed internally, feeling exasperated. He really might start losing hair o

Silas chuckled to himself. He didn’t say much and strolled home with his hands behind his back

Meanwhile, Elizabeth’s expression was beyond unpleasant. Without waiting for Bryan, she got in the cz and left on her own.

Bryan lowered his gaze, using it as a way to hide the disappointment in his eyes.

“It’s fine,” he thought. He was used to this by now.

He comforted himself, believing that persistence would eventually pay off. Someday, she would see his worth.

Meanwhile, Paul and Miranda remained unaware of everyone else’s reactions.

Once they reached their neighborhood, the two walked upstairs one after the other. The motion–sensor lights flickered on and off with each step, illuminating the way up.

Miranda watched Paul’s tall figure ahead of her, the light casting shadows that stretched, overlapped, and intertwined. It was giving her the feeling that they had known each other for a long time.

“Thank

k you for today,” she said softly. Her voice was quiet, but it still echoed slightly in the quiet stain

Paul seemed to be in a good mood today. She couldn’t see his expression, but his relaxed tone reached her ears. “Are you thanking me for giving you a ride home? Or for the dinner?

Miranda replied, “Both. I’m grateful you treated me to dinner, grateful you drove me home, and even more grateful that you’re willing to let me use your lab.”

Also, for that moment at the table when he said, “Miranda is Dr. Young’s student.”

Paul eventually stopped on the seventh floor. He turned to watch Miranda, who was slightly out of breath step up onto the last stair.

She walked over to him, and they stood side by side.

“I know what you’re trying to say,” Paul said. “But a diamond covered in dust is still just that–covered in

Chapter 0202

+25 BONUS

dust. Once you brush it off, it shines brightly again.”

Miranda felt a stir in her heart and looked up, meeting his gaze.

Paul continued, speaking deliberately. “No one knows what the future holds, but the present is something you can control. It might seem a bit late, but I still want to say–welcome to my lab.”

There was a hint of a smile in his eyes as he extended his hand.

Miranda’s eyes curved into a gentle smile as she shook his hand lightly. “Thank you. I don’t think it’s late. at all.”

It was just right.

They agreed to head out together the next day and then went to their respective apartments.

Miranda took a shower and read some material before going to bed.

The next morning, she made two sandwiches–hers with a bit more butter and Paul’s with less butter and extra vegetables.

She also made two cups of unsweetened coffee with the beans she had at home, pairing it with the sandwiches for a nutritious and healthy breakfast.

At 7:00 am, Paul knocked on her door right on time.

After breakfast, the two headed to the lab together. They arrived somewhat early.

They then changed into their lab coats, and each went to their respective workstations, diving into their

tasks.

By 8:00 am, the others started to arrive.

Sandy set down her bag, changed into her lab clothes, and came over to Miranda’s side to take a look.” You’re already halfway through your experiment? You’re so efficient–what time did you get here?”

Miranda continued her work, her eyes focused on the test tube in her hand while jotting down related data. “I got here half an hour ago. Sandy, could you please help me check if this ratio is correct?”