When fate plays its hand
hand 578

Chapter 0578

The dishes had just been served and were still steaming hot. Miranda glanced at the table and realized everything was her favorite.

She pulled out a chair and sat down. “Have you guys been waiting long?”

Jack replied, “I just got here. Mr. Cooper had come earlier than me.”

It was clear that Sam had ordered the food in advance, Today marked their first official weekly progress

meeting

Sam helped her hang her bag on the coat rack before sitting down. “Shall we discuss while we eat?

Before the food cools.”

“Sure.”

The three of them began to eat.

Miranda and Jack, both familiar with the restaurant, were at ease. Surprisingly, Sam adapted just as easily. Then again, if he could grab lunch at a roadside diner near a construction site, he likely wasn’t picky about dining environments.

Jack couldn’t help but feel a flicker of admiration for Sam’s adaptability.

Clearing his throat after eating two fried pickles, Jack set his fork down and started, “Let me go over this week’s progress. The foundation is done, and we’ve started the construction. If things go as planned, the basic structure should be complete by next week.”

“That fast?” Even though Miranda had expected quick progress, she was taken aback.

Jack looked over at Sam. “We really owe it to Mr. Cooper’s teams.”

Only after working alongside Sam’s teams had he fully grasped the difference in skill levels between construction crews. They outperformed his own by a long shot, which naturally accelerated their timeline.

Sam took a casual bite. “Don’t mention it.”

“As for the payment…” Jack began.

“Oh, right–I wanted to bring that up,” Sam interjected. “Monthly payments are too much hassle. I’ll pay my guys from my end.

“Once the project’s done, you can settle the total with me. Don’t worry, I’ll have my accountant keep detailed records, clear and transparent.”

Jack waved a hand. “Mr. Cooper, no need to be so formal. You’re handling major deals–I doubt you’d sweat over a little payment here.”

Sam replied, “In business, it’s best to stick to proper protocol. It’s better for you and me both.”

Jack paused before nodding. “You’re right. I didn’t think of it

it that way.”

“Cheers to that.” Sam lifted his glass. Both men had driven, so their glasses held soft drinks.

“Cheers,” Jack responded.

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Chaptm 05

+25 BONUS

Sam looked at Miranda. “How about you join us? We’re all here, after all.”

“Why not?” Miranda set down her utensils. To the lab’s timely completion.”

They clinked glasses, and Miranda took a sip. The fizzy drink hit her nose sharply–a reminder of why she wasn’t a fan of sodas.

Luckily, with just a sip, the sharpness passed quickly, and she resumed eating..

Sam called over a server. “Do you have babyccino?”

“Yes, we do.”

He nodded toward Miranda. “Bring her a glass.”

The server asked, “Would you like it cold or warm?”

Miranda hesitated, “Warm, please. Thank you.”

Moments later, the server set the babyccino with a straw next to her.

Sam pulled the drink, popped in the straw, and slid it back to her–all with such natural ease that it looked like something he’d done a thousand times before.

Just then, the restaurant owner’s voice rang out cheerfully as a man and woman entered. “Welcome! Table for two?”

Since Miranda faced the entrance, she looked up and immediately locked eyes with Hansel.

He paused briefly, then gave her a nod. He then wrapped his arm more tightly around the woman beside him.