When fate plays its hand
hand 571

Chapter 0571

“There’s no need!” Miranda sat cross–legged on the rug. “This is fine.”

The soft, plush rug was clearly high–quality. Sitting on it was comfortable, with her back supported by the edge of the bed.

If only they had a few snacks and drinks, that would make this perfect.

Just as she thought it, Paul walked in with an armful of nuts, chips, and two bottles of lime soda. Miranda was amazed–he really understood her!

Paul set down the snacks, plopped onto the carpet next to her, and placed pillows behind both of them. And so, they watched, ate, drank, and chatted together until the broadcast ended.

Miranda glanced at the time–it was almost 11:00 pm! She jumped up in surprise and quickly said her goodbyes. Paul walked her to her door, watching as she went inside before returning to his place.

As he tidied up, his gaze fell on the two pillows they’d used. The one he’d leaned on was indented, while Miranda’s had only a few light creases.

Paul picked it up, smoothing out the surface with his hand. That was when a faint, pleasant scent drifted toward him, and he immediately froze.

Feeling a surge of frustration at his uncontrollable reaction, he muttered a curse under his breath. For the first time, he felt completely helpless.

Yet he knew that even if he calmed down this time, the next time he found himself in a similar situation,

his body would betray him again.

Paul took a deep breath. This was hard. It was just way too hard.

This was harder than any PO–level project he had ever tackled overseas.

Meanwhile, Miranda finished her shower and settled into bed. She quickly drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep, unaware that someone nearby was losing sleep over a pillow she had leaned on.

On Saturday, the rare sunshine was a welcome sight. With no classes scheduled, Miranda decided to visit the construction site and check the project’s progress.

She hadn’t told Jack in advance, so he was startled to see her when she arrived. “What are you doing.

here?”

Miranda was equally taken aback–she barely recognized Jack at first. If he hadn’t spoken up, not have known it was him at all.

she might

Cladded in a dusty gray work suit with a red safety helmet smeared with dried mud, he blended right in with the crew.

*Jack, you look… well, it’s kind of heartbreaking.”

Jack paused, then he couldn’t help but chuckle. “Silly goose, what are you talking about? Even a CEO of a publicly listed company has to suit up like this! Work suits are durable, windproof, and dust–resistant.

Chapter 0571

+25 BONUS

*And the safety helmet is mandatory. You’re not allowed entry without it!”

Noticing Miranda wasn’t wearing a helmet, he quickly grabbed one from a nearby worker. “Here, wear this for now. I’ll order a new one just for you later.”

Jack then placed the helmet on her head. Luckily, it seemed new and had none of the usual unpleasant odors.

The worker whose helmet it was gave a small huff. Jack had swiped his brand–new helmet that he hadn’t even worn yet!

Now that Miranda was here, Jack took the opportunity to give her an update on the project’s progress. “1 was planning to give you an update after tomorrow to round out the week, but since you’re here, it’s more convenient to explain in person.”

Miranda stood on a pile of stones, surveying the site.

The ground was still flat, and there was no sign of the structure rising from it yet–not even scaffolding had been erected.

Jack explained, “We’re in the foundational phase. The foundation was dug out yesterday, but I decided to adjust the plans and deepen it by another inch. This will give us room for potential lab expansions or upgrades in the future without being restricted by foundation limitations.

“Also, I listed some imported materials needed later on and placed the orders with foreign suppliers a few days ago. They should arrive within the month, which should coincide perfectly with us finishing the foundational work. It’ll be a smooth transition.”

After listening, Miranda got straight to the point. “The current progress doesn’t seem to match the timeline you initially promised me.”

Jack sighed internally. Truly, there was nothing that could escape her.

How on earth did Lionel and the gentle Mindy end up with such a sharp–eyed daughter? This didn’t fit the rules of genetics!