When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0577

Miranda didn’t respond to that. She and Sam sat in silence until the car stopped near the alleyway.

Sam then said, “We’re here.”

Miranda replied, “Thank you, Mr. Cooper, for lending us the workers. My cousin will work out the payment details with you.”

“Alright.” He didn’t refuse the payment, and his straightforward approach eased Miranda’s mind a bit.

“Goodbye now.”

“Goodbye, Mimi.”

Jack moved quickly. By the next day, he’d already taken over the two crews Sam provided, negotiated the rates, and finalized the contract.

On the third day, they were back to work.

what we’ve decided is that the three of us–me, you, and him–will meet once a week to align on the project’s progress,” Jack explained.

Miranda frowned. “The two of us meeting should be enough. There’s no need to include Sam.”

After all, it wasn’t like they could actually treat him like a foreman. Besides, Sam was busy; he probably didn’t have time for these minor details.

Jack shrugged. “I said the same, but he insisted on a weekly meeting.”

Plus, Sam’s reasoning was thorough. He said something along the lines of, “These are my crews, so I have a responsibility here. To me, there’s no difference between an on–site worker and a staff member in the office. Everyone deserves equal respect.”

“Oh, and he asked me to pass on a message,” Jack added.

“What was it?” Miranda asked.

“He said he’s more than happy to be that sledgehammer.”

Miranda was tongue–tied.

Jack huffed. “That guy’s definitely trying to pursue you. His intentions are written all over his face. I’ll give him credit, though–he’s bold and transparent about it. But listen, Mimi-

His tone suddenly turned serious. “Men can’t always be trusted, so don’t let yourself get taken in easily.”

Miranda couldn’t help but laugh. “Don’t worry, Jack, I’m not that easy to fool.”

After six years with Hansel, it had taken her long enough to break free–why would she dive back into romance so quickly?

Books, experiments, research, writing papers–weren’t they enough? Who needed all that love and drama?

12

Chapter (1577

+25 BONUS

The week flew by.

During that time, Miranda, Sebastian, and Madison moved to Charles Fischer’s bio lab at Dunham College.

Other than the inconvenience of shuttling between the two campuses, everything else was progressing smoothly. And there was one notable perk about the business school, that was the cafeteria.

Their food was absolutely delicious! Madison was thrilled by this. She hadn’t even finished one meal before planning her next

“Honestly, if we could keep using this lab, it wouldn’t be so bad. Look, it’s close to all three cafeterias. It’s just a one, or two–minute walk…”

Sebastian smirked. “So you’d have food right there anytime you’re hungry?”

“People live for food! You don’t eat when you’re hungry?” she shot back.

Sebastian hesitated. “Well, I don’t eat much and usually just three meals.”

Madison’s eyes narrowed instantly. “Are you saying I eat a lot and eat too many meals? I didn’t expect this from you, Sebastian Landon!”

“No, that’s not what I-”

*Save it! An explanation is just an excuse, and an excuse means you’re just covering your ass! Now, you can handle these data sets by yourself I’m off to my fourth meall”

Sebastian was speechless. “Wait… you’re really going?”

In response, he saw only the broad back of a determined Madison striding away.

Miranda quietly packed her things. “I’m heading out too.”

Sebastian looked around in disbelief, “Wait… everyone’s leaving?”

Miranda was off for lunch, though not to the college cafeteria; she was headed to the small restaurant. she’d eaten at with Jack twice before. This time, however, she found an extra guest waiting.

When she arrived, Jack and Sam were already there.