When fate plays its hand
hand 588

Chapter 0588

+25 BONUS

“Lizzy?” Bryan called her name twice, but Elizabeth didn’t respond. Finally, he reached out and gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze before Elizabeth seemed to come back to herself.

“What did you just say?” she asked, blinking,

“I asked what you’re looking at.”

“Oh, nothing.” Elizabeth brushed his hand off her shoulder. “I need to ask Dr. Jefferson something.” She then turned and walked briskly toward Paul.

Bryan watched his hand fall back to his side and then glanced at Elizabeth’s eager figure, a bit confused.

He hadn’t expected Elizabeth to show interest in an event like this. Since she’d wanted to attend, he’d made arrangements to accompany her. He’s even volunteered to participate as a student advisor representative.

Bryan worked not only in Paul’s lab but also held a position within the college. He remembered Elizabeth’s radiant smile when she received her invitation. It was brighter than sunlight.

He rarely saw her smile like that, and he couldn’t help but smile too, thinking how his effort had been

worth it.

“Dr. Jefferson, wait a moment.” Paul paused and turned, watching Elizabeth approach him with a smile.

“Lizzy, did you need something?” he asked.

“Dr. Jefferson,” she said, half–joking, ‘since Miranda has other things to take care of, why don’t I take her place and accompany you for this dance?”

Paul’s expression cooled. “No, thank you.”

Her smile froze, but she forced a casual laugh. “Oh, come on, I was just joking. No need to turn me down so firmly…

“I actually came to ask when the lab’s old equipment will be replaced. Dr. Quinton has complained about it multiple times.”

he cost of the

Paul frowned. “Two days ago, I sent a group email covering the status of that equipment, the new one, and its scheduled installation date.”

Elizabeth’s face stiffened. “Oh, did you? I might have overlooked it…. sorry.”

“Lab rule number two explicitly states that work emails should be cleared daily.”

“Dr. Jefferson, 1-

“As a researcher, I expect you to focus more on your work, Paul replied, looking at her steadily.

Elizabeth lowered her head. “Understood, Dr. Jefferson”

With that, he strode away. Elizabeth was left standing there, not only dismissed but chastised. She clenched her teeth in frustration.

Meanwhile, Bryan walked over, noticing her troubled expression. He offered her a drink in a soft tone.

126 BONUE

Here, Lizzy, your favorite lime soda. Have a sip?”

Elizabeth looked up sharply. For a moment, Bryan thought he saw something like disdain in her eyes. Was she really disgusted by him?

But when he looked closer, her lovely eyes were calm again, holding no trace of that emotion

“Thank you,” she said, taking a sip of the drink. “It’s pretty good” But her hand gripped the glass harder, knuckles paling as her grip tightened.

Why? Why could Paul Invite Miranda so openly yet dismiss her so easily? Miranda had rejected him, hadn’t she?

Why? Why did so many men circle around Miranda? What was so special about her?

“Who do you think is more beautiful–Miranda or me?” Elizabeth suddenly asked.

The question threw Bryan off. After a moment, he regained his composure and smiled. “Both you and Miranda are gorgeous, but in my eyes, Lizzy, you’re the most beautiful in the world. It’s no contest!”

But his compliment did nothing to please Elizabeth. Instead, her expression grew even more sullen.

Yes, she was beautiful. So why couldn’t Paul see it?