When fate plays its hand

However, Sam’s mind had long wandered elsewhere. Coincidentally, he stepped out of the study with a bright smile on his face when the maid came to call him.

Sam hadn’t gone to the office as he knew Miranda would be visiting. He specially came to the Garrison estate to wait for her instead.

Sure enough, Sam saw Miranda as he walked to the dining room. However, he didn’t have the chance to feel happy when he noticed Paul and Joli sitting next to her.

His smile froze at that moment, and the half–lifted corners of his mouth gradually went down. “Dr. Jefferson, you’re here too?”

Paul looked up with a polite smile. “Yes, Miranda invited me. It was hard to refuse her kind invitation. Besides, it has been a while since I last visited Mr. and Mrs. Garrison.

Sam felt a sharp, stabbing pain in his chest when he heard that Miranda had invited Paul. It hurt like hell.

Fiona chimed in, “Sam, come and sit. Lunch is ready.”

“Alright.”

Miranda sat with Fiona on her left and Paul on her right. Only one seat was left at the table, so Sam had no choice but to sit across from her

During the meal, Fiona kept piling food onto the plates of the younger guests. Joli stared at the mountain of meat and vegetables on his plate…

Well, he had to eat. It was impolite to reject an elderly person’s kindness!

Paul wasn’t spared either, but he was smarter. He began serving food back onto Fiona’s plate in return, and his strategy was a success. Fiona was so busy refusing that she forgot to keep adding food to their plates.

Miranda inwardly gave him a thumbs–up. Physicists like Paul really did have sharp minds.

After dinner, Fiona excitedly took everyone to her strawberry greenhouse. The large greenhouse Joli noticed earlier when they arrived was used for growing strawberries.

It was now the peak of the strawberry season.

“Look at how well they’ve grown!” Fiona exclaimed. “The strawberries are big and red. Most importantly, they are homegrown with no pesticides. They’re clean, fresh, and safe to

eat.

“Later, each of you grab a basket and pick as much as you want. Take them home and enjoy them. You can even leave some in the fridge at the lab.”

The group followed Fiona through the garden to the greenhouse. Once they entered, they were greeted by rows of plump, ripe, and bright red strawberries.

Fiona added, “If you don’t pick them now, they’ll go bad in a few days.”

Miranda picked one, rinsed it under a nearby faucet, and popped it into her mouth. A burst of soft sweetness spread on her tongue. “Mmm, it’s delicious!” she exclaimed.

Fiona beamed happily.

This was Joli’s first time seeing someone growing a strawberry garden at home. In his village, some people grew strawberries too, but the fruits were small and sour. He had only seen fresh strawberries of this size and quality in fancy gift boxes.

Miranda handed baskets to both Paul and Sam. Then, she grabbed one for herself and began picking the strawberries as she hummed a little tune.

All she could think about was how thrilled Madison would be to see them. She would pick plenty to bring back to the lab.

“Let me help you,” Paul offered. novelbin

Sam also joined in, “You can take the ones I pick with you later.‘

Miranda glanced at Paul first, then at Sam. “Do you two not like strawberries?”

Both of them were rendered speechless.

As they were busy picking, Miranda rinsed a strawberry and handed it to Paul, who was standing closest to her. “Dr. Jefferson, try this one. It’s really sweet.”

“Alright.” He accepted the strawberry and took a bite. “It is sweet.”

“Right? I knew I picked a good one.‘

“What about me? Why didn’t you give me one?” Sam walked over, his voice dripping with jealousy.

Miranda said, “Here you go. Try this.”

Paul asked with a smile, “How does it taste, Mr. Cooper?”

“It’s sour,” Sam replied flatly.

With that, he picked up his basket and stalked off.