When fate plays its hand
hand 584

Chapter 0584

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Paul didn’t bother to lift his head

Silas said, “Take a good look. The invitation says–Faculty of Bioinformatics Freshman Mixer! Not a joint academic conference!”

“I know,” Paul replied.

“Then why are you going?”

“Is there a problem?”

“Wow, you’re really acting weird…”

Wait! Silas seemed to realize something as he glanced back at the invitation. “Faculty of Bioinformatics? The faculty Miranda’s in?”

Paul paused his work of adjusting the instruments.

eyes narrowing. “Paul, this is serious–you’re acting like you’re possessed! Are you into

Silas leaned in, Miranda? Does she know?”

He added, “You’re a lot older than her–do you think she’d even be okay with it?”

The questions left Paul momentarily speechless.

her

Paul snapped out of his thoughts. “What did you say?”

“I asked if you were going home after this or heading to the lab?”

“Home.”

Miranda nodded. “Then we can- Perhaps walk home together.

But before she finished her sentence, a tall figure stopped next to her. Miranda instinctively looked up. eyes meeting his.

Sam smirked. “What a coincidence. Mind if I sit here?”

He then turned to Madison. “Would you mind moving over a bit?”

Madison nodded, feeling startled, “Oh, uh, sure.” She quickly shifted over. Sam thanked her with a smile, then settled himself beside Miranda.

Surprised, Miranda asked, “You’re here too?”

Sam glanced briefly at Paul, then smiled. “Is that so surprising? Dr. Jefferson is here, isn’t he?”

“He’s here for the opening remarks. What about you?”

Sam shrugged. “I’m here as the financial backer.”

The school often sought sponsorship from alumni. As a Masters of Business Administration graduate and company CEO, Sam had naturally become one of their “walking ATMs. Hence, that earned him an

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Chapter 0584

invitation too.

“Do you attend every event you sponsor?” Miranda asked.

“Not at all,” he replied casually, almost bluntly. “I’m here because of you.”

Miranda blinked quietly.

Paul’s eyes darkened, while Sam maintained his sly smile.

Sensing the tension, Madison quickly Intervened. “Um. I’m going to get more food. Miranda, want to come along?”

“Great idea!” Miranda stood up immediately.

As the two walked away, Sam handed Paul a water bottle, smiling. “A drink, Dr. Jefferson?”

Paul took it, nodding politely.

“Busy as you are, Dr. Jefferson, I wouldn’t have thought you’d come to a mixer.”

Meeting Sam’s gaze, Paul replied evenly, “Yet, here you are too, Mr. Cooper.”

came for Miranda. What about you?”

“Same reason.”

Sam’s eyes narrowed with a dangerous glint. “What do you mean by that, Dr. Jefferson? I seem to be losing you.”

“You understood exactly what I meant,” Paul retorted.

Sam’s expression turned cold. “So, Dr. Jefferson, you’re interested too?”

“I’m no saint–I don’t pretend to be above wanting things

Sam chuckled, though his voice carried a hint of threat. “Dr. Jefferson, you seem to have quite the self- awareness. But I’d still suggest that it’s wise to keep one’s desires within reach, wouldn’t you agree?”

Paul smiled faintly. “Then let’s both keep that in mind, Mr. Cooper.”

Sam paused, growing silent as well.

At that moment, music played, and a spotlight scanned the crowd again.

The host, Agnes Caesar, announced, “Thank you, Mr. Fandi Barnes, for that wonderful introduction. Now, who will our next lucky participant be? Spotlight ready