When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0911

Elizabeth couldn’t hide her delight when she caught sight of Paul’s back the moment she stepped out of her room. She called out to him without hesitation.

To her surprise, the person she despised the most turned around at the same time as Paul did.

Her smile faded slightly as she spoke, “Oh, Miranda. You’re here too.” She walked forward and positioned herself on the other side of Paul.

Miranda detected the coldness in her tone and didn’t bother to be overly friendly. She responded with a polite smile and fell silent.

Elizabeth turned to look at Paul expectantly. “Dr. Jefferson, are you heading downstairs for dinner?”

“Yes.”

“Perfect, I’m about to go too!”

The lobby fell into an awkward silence after she spoke. Paul didn’t extend an invitation to join them, not even out of courtesy. His silence was a clear rejection of her request.

Elizabeth acted as if she didn’t notice. Seeing that Paul wasn’t responding, she repeated once more, “Dr. Jefferson, why don’t we eat together?”

“Sorry, I’m already eating with someone else.”

As soon as he finished speaking, both elevator doors opened simultaneously. Stiffly, Elizabeth stepped into the elevator on the right. Meanwhile, Paul and Miranda entered the other elevator on the left. The metal doors gradually closed, concealing the twisted expression of jealousy on Elizabeth’s face.

Miranda couldn’t help but stifle her laugh.

Paul felt puzzled. “What’s so funny.”

“Dr. Jefferson, you’re too obvious.”

Paul cleared his throat, trying to cover his embarrassment.

There were several restaurants on the first floor. Miranda chose a restaurant specializing in Yvonnian cuisine. “According to Yelp, this Yvonnian restaurant is authentic and has a traditional vibe. Lots of food bloggers recommend this place. Shall we give it a try? It’s my treat.”

The conference organizers had arranged free meals for the participants, but only in the buffet section at the Bartovian restaurant. Dining at the Jovanian and Yvonnian restaurants was at the guests‘ own expense.

“Sure, up to you. However, I’m paying for this one,” Paul replied..

A waiter seated both of them by a window in a corner of the restaurant. Since it was still early, there weren’t many diners yet. The atmosphere around them was quiet and calm.

Miranda ordered a few of their signature dishes and handed the menu to Paul. “Dr. Jefferson, why don’t you order some too?”

Paul took the menu. “Let’s get some chicken chop and two bowls of pottage stew.”

“Pottage stew?” Miranda blinked in surprise.

“Have you tried it before?”

“No.”

“Then you should give it a taste. Yvonnian restaurants like this usually serve traditional pottage stew.”

Soon, the dishes were served.

Miranda couldn’t wait to try the stew, but after just one sip, her eyebrows knitted together in a frown, and her face scrunched up at the taste. She absolutely couldn’t handle the taste.

Paul burst out laughing. “Why are you in such a rush? You’re like a little kid!”

Miranda choked at his words. Who was he calling a kid?

True to its reputation, the rest of the dishes were indeed delicious. Miranda enjoyed a good helping of every dish, except for the pottage stew.

However, Paul seemed to love it. Not only did he finish his own bowl, but he also finished her portion as well.

“Hey…” Miranda had initially wanted to stop him from eating the bowl she had taken a sip from. If he liked it so much, they could order another bowl.

But Paul didn’t mind it at all. He simply said, “Don’t waste food.” novelbin

Miranda let it slide, considering she had used a clean spoon to take a sip from her bowl, and the rest was still uncontaminated.

After the meal, Paul settled the bill. They walked out of the hotel together and took a leisurely stroll.

It was clear this was the busiest part of Moonville. The city lights were dazzling, the streets teemed with people, and the Oriental Tower stood tall in the sky.

Miranda was dressed in a knitted sweater with a shawl draped casually across her chest. She also wore dark–wash jeans and nude–colored flats. Her appearance exuded a serene and studious elegance.