When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0648

*25 BOHUS

Scott winced slightly from the pinch Heidi had given him but quickly composed himself.

After clearing his throat, he said, “What I mean is, our son is old enough now, and it’s only natural he’d start feeling things. After all, which young woman doesn’t yearn for romance, and which young man doesn’t feel affection?”

Heidi looked Miranda up and down, clearly impressed. “This young woman has such grace and poise- and I hear she even led the initiative to build her own lab! What an accomplished young lady!”

Her smile grew wider, practically glowing with approval “The administration at Bedford College was so unfair to her, but she kept her composure and managed to pull off such an impressive feat! If our son has an interest in her, I would have no objections at all.”

Scott seemed to share her enthusiasm. The Landons had already achieved significant standing, so political alliances weren’t a necessity for their family. If their daughter–in–law were someone like Miranda

that didn’t seem like a bad idea at all.

…

Scott’s eyes gleamed. “I wouldn’t object either. Let’s leave it up to our future daughter–in–law!”

Paul and Sam, who were standing nearby, grew silent. Was this couple really talking as if they weren’t there? Paul’s gaze narrowed, while Sam kept a blank expression.

Scott suddenly nudged Paul’s shoulder with hands rubbing together. “Paul, Miranda’s one of your students, right?”

“Yes,” Paul replied flatly.

“Judging by how you interact, I’d say you two are pretty close?”

“What exactly are you getting at, Scott?”

“Heh, well… I was wondering, do you know if Miranda’s parents are from Elgerson? Are you acquainted with them? Maybe you could introduce us sometime?”

“No,” Paul said curtly. “I don’t know them.”

Scott wasn’t deterred. “Well then, what do you think of Miranda herself? Wouldn’t she be a good match for Seb? Just look at them. My son’s all sunny and handsome, and Miranda’s so smart and beautiful. They’re a perfect pair!”

Scott was clearly growing fond of the idea. He was already considering the number of tables needed for a wedding reception.

Meanwhile, Paul said nothing.

“Paul, why aren’t you saying anything?” Scott asked.

“What do you want me to say?”

“Whether or not they’d be a good match!” Scott pressed

“Oh. They’re not,” Paul replied.

Scott looked baffled. “Why not? She seems great to me!”

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0647

she’d give it her all.

She’s smart, strong, calm, and driven… She had a lot of qualities Sebastian aspired to have.

Then, with a smile, he added, “Here’s to the three musketeers. May we charge forward and overcome every obstacle.”

Miranda accepted the cake, feeling a surge of warmth. “Yes, here’s to cutting through the thorns and riding the waves.”

Madison’s eyes crinkled from a wide grin, and she added, “Exactly! The three musketeers–wherever our swords point, our hearts will follow!”

The three of them exchanged glances, full of youthful ambition and camaraderie.

Many years later, as Sebastian sat in his office at the National Science Institute, recalling this very moment, he couldn’t help but smile nostalgically. Back then, they were full of dreams, brimming with passion, determined to reach the summit no matter the cost.

Regardless of success or failure, the pursuit and climb were the most memorable parts of their youth, and the moments were worth cherishing.

Back in the present, Scott and Heidi exchanged glances.

Heidi hesitated before asking, “Is our son… finally starting to figure things out? This is the first time I’ve ever seen him offer a girl the first slice of cake.”

Scott lowered his voice and grinned. “What’s the big deal? When I was 20, I even baked a cake for you and fed it to you myself…”

Heidi’s face flushed, and she playfully pinched his waist. “Hush! Can’t you see where we are? How can you talk so openly like that?”

The two of them had grown up together. Their families the Landons and the Hales–had been well- matched for generations. Their pairing had been settled early on.

From their early romance to now, even with their son grown up, Scott and Heidi’s affection for each other was still as sweet as honey.