When fate plays its hand
hand 635

Chapter 0635

“She’s always been like that. The more pressure she’s under, the calmer she becomes,” Hansel said suddenly.

Willow smiled. “While we toured the lab earlier, I noticed it not only has a dedicated lab area but also a relaxation zone, and they even included a kitchen…”

Hansel’s eyebrows shifted slightly, and he couldn’t help adding. “That’s because Mimi loves cooking and has a natural talent for it.

“Every time she’d eat something she liked or was curious about, she’d spend days experimenting with the recipe, trying to perfect it. If the recipes didn’t align with the video, she’d make her own adjustments to replace the best flavor.”

Willow nodded. “She must be very meticulous.”

Hansel’s smile softened, and his gaze drifted as he reminisced. “Yes, she’s not only meticulous but incredibly thoughtful. If anyone wasn’t feeling well, she’d be the first to notice.

“In the house, she knew exactly where everything was, down to the smallest knickknack or dish… She even kept the medicine cabinet meticulously organized, Fever reducers, anti–inflammatories, stomach meds, or cough suppressants–everything you’d ever need.”

Willow observed him, noting the tender look in his eyes as he drifted into happy memories. She bit her lip unconsciously. “It sounds like you two had quite a story together..

Hansel didn’t seem to hear her. He was lost in his own narrative. “She loved being tidy and insisted even the slippers be perfectly aligned, while I, on the other hand, was a bit messier.

“I was always leaving things wherever I pleased. We argued over it quite a bit, but she always found a way to make me see things her way–sometimes by debating, sometimes by pouting, or even by silencing me with a playful kiss…”

The brightness in his eyes faded as his voice trailed off. Each cherished memory seemed to sharpen his sense of loss, and he felt the weight of regret crashing over him like a wave. He even felt a heavy pressure in his chest, making it hard to breathe.

He quickly raised his head. That was when he caught Willow’s curious gaze, and he immediately pulled himself back to reality. Upon realizing he might have said too much, he stopped speaking altogether.

Willow watched him pull away from his memories. His face hardened as he quickly masked himself, resuming his usual, unreachable demeanor.

“Sorry,” he said.

“Why apologize?

“For saying too much.”

“It’s fine. I think I’d make a good listener–if you’d ever like to keep talking,” she replied gently.

Hansel fell silent for a moment before changing the subject. “Thank you for today.”

“I promised to help you reconnect with Miranda. The lab opening was a great opportunity for that, though

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0635

…it doesn’t seem to have made much of a difference yet, has it?”

Hansel’s gaze lowered. His expression looked cool and serious.

“Even if it didn’t work out, at least I tried,” Willow continued with a playful tone. “But isn’t a simple

you‘ a bit too cheap?”

Hansel looked at her. “I’ll have my assistant wire-”

“I don’t want money.”

He frowned at her response.

‘thank

Willow sighed. “You’ve already been more than generous; I should be the one thanking you. This time, though, how about you buy me a meal instead? I haven’t had lunch, and I’m absolutely starving.”

Hansel frowned in confusion. “With the money, you could buy whatever food you want.”

Willow chuckled. “It’s different! Right now, I get to ride in your car straight to a restaurant. With the money, I’d have to spend ages deciding what to eat, where to go, how to get there… It’s complicated!”

ansel didn’t entirely understand, but he accepted. “Alright. But you should think it over carefully. Would

like a single meal or a sum of money? The latter is undeniably worth much more.”

you

“I’ve thought it over. Just the meal, please!” Willow replied resolutely.