When fate plays its hand

Paul remained silent as he watched Sam walk away.

How childish

Meanwhile, Miranda frowned. That couldn’t be right. She had picked each one carefully and they all looked sweet. Sam was probably unlucky to eat a sour one.

Paul and Sam picked two large baskets of strawberries and handed them over to Miranda.

After packing them into bags, the three of them began walking back. They spotted Joli and Fiona crouching by the edge of the field, deep in conversation. As they got closer, they realized Joli was holding a small hoe and digging in the soil.

He explained as he dug, “Although strawberries aren’t particularly picky about soil, the best option is fertile, loose, sandy soil with good drainage and a pH between 5.5 to 6.5. The soil here isn’t too bad, but the drainage isn’t quite as good as sandy soil…”

Exona had a sudden realization. “No wonder so many roots rotted earlier on. When I bought this, the seller swore that it was sandy soil. It turns out that they tricked an old lady like me! Joli, have you grown strawberries before? You seem to know so much.”

Jolí answered, “We never grew any at home, but I’ve seen my neighbors grow them. I also bought some books to read about it.”

“Oh, I see. Given how skilled you are with that hoe, you must have helped out a lot at home.

利

“Yeah, my mother’s in poor health, and my dad can’t manage everything alone. We need to help out during the spring planting and autumn harvest.”

“You’re a really good child…”

Fiona had sharp eyes. She noticed from the moment Joli walked in that he likely came from a humble background. After listening to his words, she couldn’t help but sigh when she saw the thick calluses on his fingers.

At that moment, a maid came over to deliver a message. Someone had come to visit. Fiona was surprised. “Who is it?”

“It seems to be the young master of the Jensen family, Sawyer Jensen.‘

The Jensens?

Fiona frowned.

The two families had a good relationship. The Jensens had all shown up at Aren’s birthday banquet. His father even introduced Sawyer to the both of them back then. Why was he suddenly visiting now?

“Did he come alone?” Fiona asked.

The maid nodded. “Yes, he’s alone.”

“Have Aren see him. I won’t be going.”

She hesitated, “Mr. Garrison is in the study on a conference call. He has instructed us not to disturb him while he’s inside, The butler suggested that I come find you or Mr. Cooper.”

“Is that so… I’ll go meet him, then.”

Sawyer was sitting on the couch in the living room. A maid offered him a cup of tea politely, and he accepted it. After taking a sip, he placed it on the coffee table. He appeared to be a down–to–earth and well–mannered young man.

At that moment, he was looking around curiously, as though he was searching for something. When Fiona entered, he stood up immediately. “Mrs. Garrison, hello.‘

“Sawyer, what a rare guest! Sit down and make yourself at home,” Fiona said. novelbin

“Thank you.”

“What brings you here today? Is there something you need?”

“Oh, it’s like this. My grandfather’s 90th birthday is on the 6th of next month. I came to deliver the invitation.”

Fiona accepted it with a warm smile. “Congratulations, what wonderful news! We’ll definitely attend Mr. Jensen Senior’s birthday banquet. You didn’t have to trouble yourself to deliver it personally, though. You’re too kind.”

Sawyer replied, “The Garrisons and the Jensens have been friends for decades. Grandpa said the invitations must be hand–delivered to show our sincerity.”

“You’re such a thoughtful young man,” Fiona said.

Sawyer glanced around the room. “Are you alone at home? Isn’t Ms. Sutton around?”

Fiona didn’t think much of his question and replied, “Miranda is here today as well.”

“Where is she, then?” he asked. Upon seeing Fiona hesitate, he added, “Oh! I heard Ms. Sutton is a graduate student at Bedford College, and she got in on her own merits.

“My cousin is currently preparing to apply to Bedford College as well, so she asked me to see if Ms. Sutton has any useful exam preparation tips or strategies to share.”

“I see…” Fiona replied. “I’ll have the maid call her over. Please wait a moment.