When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0539

+25 BONUS

“I didn’t have time to exercise during the day, so I’m running a bit more tonight,” Paul replied.

Miranda stood at the same step and waited for him to catch up with her, and then they continued walking up together.

“Thanks for your help today. If it weren’t for you, we would have been kicked out,” Miranda remarked.

Paul waved his hand dismissively. “There’s no need for you to be so formal. Is five days enough? If not, I can try to negotiate with the administration once more…”

“No, no. Five days will be enough.”

The problem of poor fire safety involved the district fire department, and a notice had been issued for the necessary renovations. Everything had to be done according to the rules. Even if the chancellor tried to help, he wouldn’t be able to resolve a situation like this.

They were going to have to move out eventually. Given the situation, there was no need to trouble Paul further. He had already helped her plenty of times.

Time seemed to pass quickly as they walked together. Before Miranda knew it, they had reached the seventh floor after some small talk.

“Dr. Jefferson, goodnight. See you tomorrow,” Miranda said as she opened her door to go inside.

Paul smiled as well. “See you.”

He finally closed his door after she did.

Paul went to his study and sat down at the computer. As soon as the screen lit up, messages from Silas began popping up furiously.

Silas: “Where are you? Why did you stop responding?”

Silas: “Did you go for a run again?”

Silas: “Seriously… You’ve been running back and forth all night. What’s up with you?”

Silas: “Paul? Have you lost your mind?”

Silas: “Geez, you really went out for a run again. Anyone would think you’re out looking for gold on the streets or something.”

Silas: “Something is seriously off with you tonight. I’ve heard of people going for a night run, but no one runs multiple times in one night.”

Silas: “Look at yourself… How many times have you gone out from 7:00 to 10:00 pm?”

Silas: “Forget it. I’ll just check the data myself. It’s pointless to rely on you!”

The tone in his messages shifted from frustration to resignation as Silas logged off in silence.

In his mind, Paul recalled an earlier scene of a woman standing alone in the hallway. The pale yellow incandescent light shone down on her, making her appear frail and delicate.

Chapter 0539

+25 BONUS

Her lonely figure seemed desolate…

Fortunately, he ran into her on his fifth trip down. At least he accompanied her for that stretch of stairs, didn’t he? At that thought, Paul couldn’t help but smile,

Meanwhile, Miranda took off her coat by the entrance of her home. The warmth from the heater spread throughout her body. After drinking a glass of warm water, she went to take a shower.

It was almost 11:00 pm by the time she was done.

She sat on the couch and rubbed her temples wearily. Just then, her phone rang. She picked it up and looked at the caller ID. Her expression darkened the next instant. “Hello?”

“Mimi, just one day,” Hansel said.

“Huh?”

“I only want one day of your time. Don’t worry, I won’t make any unreasonable demands, and we’ll stay outdoors the whole time. As soon as it gets dark, I’ll take you home. I swear.”

Miranda asked cautiously, “What are you trying to do?”

Hansel let out a bitter laugh. “You hate me so much now that even seeing you has become incredibly difficult. I just want to spend some quiet time with you and talk calmly for a bit.”

But even that had become a luxu

He had to make a business deal and offer something in exchange just to meet her. His lips curled into a self–deprecating smile.

“Fine,” Miranda replied, and Hansel’s eyes lit up. She clearly wasn’t done yet as her tone became sharp, However, I have some conditions.”

“What conditions?” he asked.

Miranda answered, “I’m able to refuse any request you make if I don’t feel like it or feel uncomfortable about it.”

“Deal,” Hansel agreed.