When fate plays its hand
hand 634

Chapter 0634

Madison stood quietly by. She was just blinking, not daring to speak. The atmosphere… Well, it was.

something.

Miranda’s gaze shifted between the two of them. Sam’s eyes held a teasing glint, appearing casual yet carrying an undeniable intensity.

Paul, by contrast, looked calm and composed. His gaze looked soft and encouraging, exuding a silent yet profound support. Nonetheless, both were waiting for her response.

Miranda grew silent. She glanced away briefly. After noticing something, she got up and walked over to the water dispenser,

She opened the cabinet above and took down a mug. “I think water is best right now,” she said.

Paul and Sam exchanged glances before each looked away. Sam shrugged casually and smiled. “You’ve had a long morning, so get some rest. I have a few things waiting at the office, so I’ll head back now.”

He wasn’t exactly free, there were plenty of issues at the company that needed his decision. Taking this morning off had already been a stretch.

“Alright. I’ll walk you out,” Miranda replied.

Sam’s smile grew, and there was a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. “Sounds good.” As they headed out, he shot a playful look in Paul’s direction.

After she saw Sam to his car, Miranda expressed her thanks once more as she was genuinely appreciative of his help.

Sam picked up on her slight hint of apology and gave a faint smile. “Everything I do is by my own choice. There’s no need for you to feel pressured, Friends don’t have to stand on ceremony.”

Miranda paused, but she didn’t add anything further. Instead, she simply watched as he drove away. When she turned back, she noticed Paul standing under the porch.

His tall frame and poised stance were framed by a steady gaze waiting for her to return.

Unexpectedly, Miranda felt a hint of a guilty conscience. Then she thought, “But why would I feel guilty?”

Before she could make sense of this unexplainable feeling, Paul had already approached her. “With the lab just opening, it’s natural you’ve drawn a lot of attention.

“Every move now might be scrutinized closely. At a time like this, even a small misstep could lead to

trouble…”

Seeing her slightly dazed expression, Paul suddenly worried he might’ve come off too stern. He started to think of a way to soften the tone when Miranda caught up and nodded seriously at him.

“Thank you for the reminder, Dr. Jefferson,” she said. “I understand. Everything has two sides. Building an independent lab may look impressive, but it’s also like fire over oil–risky and volatile.”

The outcome could swing either way–it might bring great honor or the burden of an untenable responsibility.

Chapter 0634

25 BONUS

Paul couldn’t help but smile at her words. How could he think she’d be intimidated by a stern tone? Clearly, she was more clear–headed and forward–thinking than he’d imagined.

His voice softened. “I have no doubt about your abilities, but I want you to know that if you ever face difficulties, you can reach out to me. or Dr. Young. You don’t have to carry everything alone. We’ll always be there to support you.

Miranda felt a twinge of warmth. Her eyes wavered slightly before she nodded and glanced down.

Hansel and Willow had left with the other guests. In the car, Dan gripped the steering wheel tightly, and even his breathing was cautious. The two in the back seat weren’t speaking, and the silence felt a little

unnerving.

Willow glanced over at Hansel. Since they’d gotten in, he’d been staring out the window silently, and his expression seemed distant.

She then smiled gently, and her voice was just the right balance of warmth to break the quiet. Miranda truly is remarkable. Finding a way out of such a tight situation and putting Dr. Xander and Mr. Banks in check is truly impressive! No wonder Dr. Young thinks so highly of her.”

She wasn’t merely being polite, Willow genuinely admired her. Not everyone had the courage Miranda displayed in building a lab from scratch, If she were in Miranda’s position, she wasn’t sure she could do

the same.

Hansel didn’t respond, but the lift in his expression revealed his quiet pride. It was almost as if her accomplishments reflected his own.

Willow continued smoothly, “Practically half of the academic world’s heavyweights were in attendance today. Who would’ve guessed she had such extensive connections?

“Not to mention how comfortable she seemed around them, like she was completely at ease–if it were me, I’d be so nervous I wouldn’t know what to say…”