When fate plays its hand
When fate plays its hand Chapter 815

Chapter 0815

Fiona hurried to open the door but paused when she saw Miranda wasn’t alone. Standing beside her was a young man. He was strikingly handsome and exuded a sophisticated

presence.

The elderly couple exchanged a quick glance, clearly intrigued. Fiona took only a few seconds to size Paul up before turning to her granddaughter with a bright smile. “Mimi, who’s this? Aren’t you going to introduce us?”

Before Miranda could respond, Paul stepped forward and introduced himself. “Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Garrison Senior. My name is Paul Jefferson. I’m a friend of Miranda’s.”

His tone was calm and composed, and he carried himself with quiet confidence under their discerning gazes.

Aren raised an eyebrow. “A Jefferson? Are you from Felix Jefferson’s family?”

Paul nodded. “Yes, sir. I heard you both had returned to the country. My father originally

planned to visit you, but I guess I managed to beat him to it.”

“If I recall correctly, the Jeffersons‘ third generation are all sons. Where do you rank among them?” Aren asked.

“I’m the third son,” he replied with a small smile. “I have two older brothers.”

“The one involved in scientific research?”

“That’s correct.”

Fiona’s curiosity was piqued. “Oh, then you’re in the same field as Mimi?”

Aren chuckled. “How else do you think they met?”

Hearing that Paul was a renowned physicist, Fiona’s smile grew wider. It seemed parents- and grandparents–were always partial to accomplished young men.

“Paul, it’s quite late, and you’ve already gone out of your way to bring Mimi home. Why don’t you stay for dinner?”

Paul had only intended to escort Miranda home and exchange polite greetings before leaving. He hadn’t expected Fiona’s enthusiastic invitation. Surprised, he hesitated. ” Wouldn’t that be an inconvenience?”

“Not at all!” Fiona waved off his concern. “It’s so cold and dark already. I was worried about Mimi coming over alone, but thankfully you accompanied her. Besides, it’s rare for Mimi to bring a friend home. You’re her first! Calling it an ‘inconvenience‘ would make us seem like strangers.”

Chapter 0815

+25 BONUS

As Fiona spoke, Miranda couldn’t help but feel like a school child being praised for making friends. She chuckled and turned to Paul. “Grandma’s right. Since it’s so cold out, stay for dinner. I might even get to hitch a ride with you back home later.”

Between Miranda’s playful urging and Fiona and Aren’s warm hospitality, Paul found it hard to decline and decided to stay.

Just as he settled onto the couch and Aren began brewing tea, the sound of an approaching engine came from outside.

Moments later, Sam stepped through the door, kicking off his shoes as he called out, Grandpa, Grandma, I’m back. Is Mimi here yet? Do you need me to pick her up?”

“No need!” Aren replied with a cheerful laugh. “They’re already here.”

They? Sam froze mid–step and looked up–only to see Paul sitting comfortably on the couch. His expression darkened immediately.

“I

Oblivious to the sudden tension, Fiona began enthusiastically introducing them. “Sam, come over here. This is Mimi’s friend. His name is P-”

“Grandma, we’ve already met,” Sam interrupted, his voice noticeably deeper.

“Oh, you know each other? That’s even better! Young people always have so much to talk about. Sit down and chat for a bit. I’ll check on dinner.”

With that, Fiona headed to the kitchen, leaving them in the living room.

Sam sat down on the far end of the couch, his eyes briefly meeting Paul’s before he quickly turned away. Equally disinterested in small talk, Paul kept his distance, leaving the atmosphere palpably strained.

Miranda, however, was unaware of the tension. She began chatting enthusiastically about her grandparents‘ extensive collection of rare physics books, which immediately caught

Paul’s attention.

As Miranda animatedly discussed the books, Paul responded with equal enthusiasm. Their conversation seemed to be flowing seamlessly.

Meanwhile, Sam, unable to contribute to the topic, pulled out his tablet to work. But no matter how much he tried to focus, his gaze kept drifting toward the two of them. Miranda’s bright smile, Paul’s engaged demeanor–it all gnawed at him.

In the kitchen, Fiona wasn’t particularly busy. The prep work had been handled by the housekeeper, and only one pot of soup remained on the stove.