When fate plays its hand
hand 672

Chapter 0672

Dormant memories resurfaced. Fragments flashed through Nelly’s mind, and she remembered those desperate, tear–filled eyes that haunted her dreams.

Her voice cracked as she said, “Minnie was kidnapped because someone was seeking revenge. How does that have anything to do with me? Just because I was with her when we went out? They pinned her disappearance on me–do you think that’s fair?

“If I’d known this would happen, I would have rather it had been me taken that day. Then it would be my name that your grandparents can’t forget, wouldn’t it?”

Lost in those memories, Nelly’s eyes grew vacant as silent tears streamed down her face, guilt washing over her. Sam watched her break down and finally couldn’t keep up his tough front.

Recalling how much Fiona had recently become fixated on “Seven Days“, Sam offered Nelly a suggestion. “Grandma has been very taken by a mystery novel called ‘Seven Days. If you could get a signed copy. especially one personally addressed to her, it might lift her spirits.”

As he saw her expression lighten, he added a precaution, “You know how Grandma is, so take it slow. When you get the signed copy, let me know first, and I’ll help with the arrangements…” He wanted to avoid anything backfiring.

“All right, I got it,” Nelly replied eagerly. All she wanted was just a signed book, right? A problem that could be solved with money was truly no problem at all.

Seeing her excitement, Sam held back any further warnings, he’d said all he could, and the rest was up to fate.

Soon after, Sam’s assistant called with an urgent matter at the office, so he headed there.

Meanwhile, Nelly summoned the butler and instructed him, “I don’t know the author’s name, but the book’s called ‘Seven Days,‘ a recent mystery release. I don’t care what it costs or what you have to do- get me a signed copy.”

The butler, who had overheard Sam’s suggestion earlier, asked, “Mr. Sam mentioned a personal message in the signature. Should we have a specific message written on the front page?”

Nelly thought for a moment. “Just a few good wishes, something like wishing her good health and long life -that kind of thing.”

Elderly people loved hearing that kind of talk, after all. The butler nodded in agreement and promptly set

out to take care of it.

As the semester neared its end, the plant quarantine lab course assigned a final project. Instead of a traditional exam, students were required to gather specimens in the field. Their grades would depend on the variety and accuracy of their collected samples.

Miranda, Sebastian, and Madison formed a team, as usual.

The instructor shared the meeting point in the group chat. On the day of departure, Miranda arrived 15 minutes early. Only a few students stood scattered in front of the campus gate at the time.

Five buses had been arranged by the faculty, and four Had already departed. The final bus was reserved for the first–year graduate students.

Within minutes, more students gathered. Sebastian texted that he was on his way, while Madison, being true to her habit, would probably arrive just on time.

Miranda checked her watch, occasionally glancing up to scan the crowd. Then, through the clusters of people, her eyes met a pair of slightly cool, inquisitive eyes.

She paused for a moment, recognizing Willow’s polite smile from across the crowd. Standing beside her were Yasmine and Tina, with Yasmine looking less than thrilled as Tina asked her something