When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0647

‘That’s not quite right, is it? If I remember correctly, the Coopers and the Landons are distantly related. By that logic, Seb should be calling you… ‘Uncle Sam,‘ right?” Paul remarked with a subtle smirk.

This was precisely why Sam, despite being a businessman, had been invited to the Landons‘ gathering. The two families were technically related.

Paul’s smile deepened. “And since Seb’s classmates should follow his lead, it’s only fitting they address you the same way. ‘Uncle Sam‘ doesn’t sound inappropriate.”

The moment Paul finished speaking, Sam’s face turned as dark as thunder. The Coopers and the Landons were indeed related, though it was so far back that no one could pinpoint the exact generation. Paul had dredged up this distant connection and imposed it on Sam, making the relationship awkwardly formal.

Miranda quickly caught on and playfully addressed Sam, “Hello, Uncle Sam.” She nearly burst out laughing after saying it.

Sam’s expression froze. What the hell!

Who wanted to be her uncle? Absolutely not him!

Even “Mr. Cooper” would be better than being “Uncle Sam“!

*Paul Jefferson, you’ll pay for this!” Sam thought to himself.

After dinner, the table was cleared, and a square cake was brought out.

Scott patted his son’s shoulder, smiling proudly. “Seb, happy birthday. I hope you remain as sharp–edged as this cake. May you never lose your integrity with age, and never get influenced negatively with the passage of time.”

“Thanks, Dad,” Sebastian replied.

Standing beside Scott, Heidi waited for him to finish before softly adding, “Make a wish, dear.”

In previous years, Sebastian’s birthdays were always low–key affairs. This was the first time the whole family had gathered along with grandparents, parents, close friends, and even two comrades from his research lab. He felt a sense of warmth in his heart.

Though he’d always found the “making a wish” tradition awkward, this time, it felt different. He closed his eyes, pausing for a brief moment. He didn’t clasp his hands together, but when he opened his eyes, they gleamed with determination.

He then smiled and blew out the candles. Madison led the applause, and soon, everyone joined in, clapping along to the festive atmosphere.

When it came time to cut the cake, Sebastian handed the first slice to Miranda. She looked surprised, especially with all the older family members present–why her?

“I rarely admire people, but you’re one of them,” he said quietly.

Miranda fought through tough situations, survived challenges, and once she set her mind to something,

How could they suddenly call these people “Uncles” when they were not even related?

+25 BONUS

Unaware of the relationships between them, Scott prompted, “What’s the holdup? Seb, lead the way and greet everyone!

Sebastian hesitated. Before the awkward silence grew unbearable, Sam stepped in with a smile, raising his glass. “Oh, please. I’m not much older than they are, and we’re not related. Calling me ‘Uncle‘ just because you think of me as a brother is overkill.”

He glanced at Miranda with a teasing smile. “Just call me Sam instead.”

Relieved, Sebastian jumped on the chance, lifting his glass. “To you, Sam.”

“Thank you,” Sam replied, his smile widening. “Although… Just ‘Sam‘ isn’t as nice. I much prefer Sammy.”

Madison immediately chimed in, “Sammy!”

Then, it was Miranda’s turn. She couldn’t help but laugh internally. He truly never missed a chance for the upper hand. She supposed he won this round.

Just as the words “Sammy” were about to leave her lips, Paul unexpectedly spoke up.