When fate plays its hand
hand 598

Chapter 0598

Sam got down to business. “This week we will be focused on construction for the main structure. Currently, we are at…”

Miranda began listening attentively when he got to the details, even slowing down her chewing to listen carefully.

At that moment, the buffalo chicken bites were placed in front of Paul. He scooped some up to serve Miranda a spoonful, but Sam had also brought over some fish filet to put on Miranda’s plate at the same time.

Both men paused mid–action and looked up at each other. The atmosphere grew tense when their gazes

met.

Sam said, “Dr. Jefferson, you’re quite thoughtful.”

“Not as much as you, Mr. Cooper. You’re always so observant.”

Miranda glanced at the food before her. After a moment’s silence, she said, “Thank you, I’ll accept both.”

Only then did the two men avert their gazes away from each other.

Sam remarked, “Fish is full of protein, so you should eat more of that.”

Paul added, “The buffalo chicken bite isn’t spicy. I think you’ll like it.”

“Thanks, Mr. Cooper and Dr. Jefferson,” Miranda said, making sure to thank them both equally. “You guys should eat too. There’s no need to keep serving me.”

“Although the tension had eased slightly, the atmosphere was far from relaxed. At that moment, the door of the restaurant opened from outside. A cold gust of wind blew in as Jack entered.

“I’m sorry, there was traffic,” he said apologetically.

“Jack? Why are you here? I thought you said you weren’t coming?” Miranda asked while gesturing for him

to sit.

Five days ago, the three of them had scheduled a meeting in the chat group. However, Jack mentioned he would be away in Zussex to inspect materials and couldn’t make it this week.

He asked Sam to update Miranda on the project’s progress during his absence. So, they hadn’t waited for him and started eating once the food was served.

Jack sat across from Miranda. He took off his coat and placed it on the chair. “Things went smoothly this time. I placed orders for all the materials we could get domestically, so I flew back last night.

“I went to the construction site today, and there were no major issues. So, I thought it would be better to come to the weekly meeting and discuss face to face.”

Miranda asked for extra tableware from the waiter and ordered two more dishes.

Jack was truly starving. He picked up his plate and dug in immediately. Once his hunger was somewhat satiated, he finally had the time to speak again.

His gaze swept over Miranda first, then it landed on Paul. “And who’s this? I haven’t met him before.”

+26 BONUS

Chapter 0508

Miranda answered, ‘This is Paul Jefferson, a professor from the physics department at Bedford College. He’s also my course instructor and corresponding author for my research. We ran into each other today, so I invited him to join us for dinner.”

Then, she turned to Paul and introduced Jack to him. The two men shook hands and exchanged greetings.

a

Although Jack had a bachelor’s degree, he wasn’t from prestigious university. His results in high school were also mediocre, so he greatly admired people who excelled academically.

After a quick search on his phone for Paul’s name, the awe and respect in his gaze deepened. Whenever Paul spoke, Jack nodded along eagerly. The expression on his face practically gave his admiration for

Paul away.

Sam was speechless. Meanwhile, Miranda could somewhat understand her cousin’s reaction.

Who hadn’t looked up to geniuses while studying for an exam? Even after graduation, people would still automatically view a genius student like Paul through rose–colored lenses, and a very thick one at that.

The four of them chatted as they ate, and the conversation flowed pleasantly.

Miranda finally asked, “Jack, should we order more food?”

“No, that’s enough.” Jack waved his hands. He felt a little embarrassed as he had eaten the most at the

table..

“Did Mr. Cooper update you on the project’s progress?” he continued.

Miranda nodded. “Yes, he did.”

“At our current pace, we should be able to finish by early next month if everything goes smoothly. At the latest, in the middle of the month…”

As Miranda listened intently to Jack’s report, a voice suddenly interrupted, “What a coincidence. We ran into you guys again.”

It was Hansel and Willow.

It was truly a coincidence. This was the second time they had bumped into each other at the same place. Sam crossed his arms with a faint smirk. “Mr. Johnson, you really seem to enjoy this place. Aren’t you being too cheap to not go to fancy restaurants and insist on coming to humble restaurants like this for dates? Doesn’t your girlfriend mind?”