When fate plays its hand

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Chapter 0640

He spread his hands. “Don’t look at me. I don’t know my way around here either.”

“Aren’t you the Landons relative?”

“Only barely. They’d need multiple family trees to trace it.”

Miranda gave him a helpless look.

“Still, I’ve got a decent sense of direction. Let’s keep going, and maybe we’ll figure it out,” he suggested, leading the way.

After countless turns and traversing numerous pathways, they finally arrived at a small courtyard. Surrounding the area was a lattice fence, fashioned into an exhibition wall. Miranda leaned in for a closer look and found it covered with photos from Sebastian’s childhood.

From his birth to his first month, to his first birthday, age five, and age ten…

She picked up a photo of a very young Sebastian, nose and eyes streaming with tears. His face was still wrinkled and resembled a little monkey.

A few of the photos showed him around age three; a small boy with a round face, wearing a fuzzy onesie and a headband adorned with Teletubby–like antennae. He had red–nose and red–eye, clearly having just cried.

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Before Sam could finish his sentence, Paul interjected, “Scott, you’ve had too much to drink. They’re all still students; studies come first. Spreading talk like this could affect everyone involved.”

Scott paused, realizing his slip–up before nodding. “You’re right. I’ve had a few too many… Academics should be their priority, and the rest… Well, let’s leave it to fate.”

With that, he went off to tend to other guests.

Paul stayed put, and his gaze was steady. “You shouldn’t have said that earlier.”

Sam raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Do you have an opinion, Dr. Jefferson?”

“No parent appreciates hearing someone belittle their child. Maybe you think you’re free to say what you want, Mr. Cooper, but next time, think if it could cause others any harm.”

Sam frowned. “Are you implying I haven’t thought of Miranda’s well–being?”

“Isn’t that exactly it?” Paul looked him directly in the eyes. “Mr. Cooper, you’re a smart man, I don’t need to spell it out.

Don’t act as if you’re the only one who cares about her. I care about her more than you know.”

“Good. Then, if you truly care, don’t put her in harm’s way.”

“Harm? It was just a few words. Dr. Jefferson, you don’t need to be so overcautious.”

“Today, it was just words. What about tomorrow? Those accustomed to acting on impulse don’t think things through. The Landons might be forgiving, but with someone else or in another setting, do you think it wouldn’t affect her?”

Sam froze, his expression tightening.

“If you’re genuinely looking out for her,” Paul continued, “you’d be mindful in every respect.”

And with that, he walked away.

After eating the cake, Miranda had some cream on her hands. She’d wiped them with a napkin, but they still felt sticky. After informing Madison, she went to the restroom.

As she exited, she bumped into Sam, who offered her a bottle of water. “The cake’s pretty sweet; have some water.”

During the meal, Sam had noticed her taking a single sip of her drink before setting it down. Clearly, she didn’t like it.

Miranda accepted the water gratefully. “Thank you.”

They then began walking back to the main house together, needing to go through a long, covered corridor. with two turns. The Landon estate was vast, designed in a complex, traditional courtyard style.

They had passed through the second courtyard, with connecting hallways and winding paths that all seemed the same. Before long, it was clear they were lost. Miranda instinctively looked at Sam.

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Paul didn’t respond further, and sensing no encouragement from him, Scott turned away. When he spotted Sam, he decided to ask the same question.

Sam’s gaze drifted through the crowd, landing on Sebastian. Sure, the kid was taller and arguably better looking than his father/but he still lacked experience and the toughness that only real challenges bring.

His steadiness was just a front, masking his youth and inexperience. After all Miranda had been through- six years invested in a failed relationship and dealing with an ex who still lingered in her life–it was hard to imagine her interested in someoné as untested as Sebastian.

In Sam’s mind, someone the same age as Sebastian, like that plucky young Madison, would be a more fitting match.

Scott repeated his question, “Well? What do you think?

Sam shook his head. “No, they’re not well–matched.”

Scott waved a hand dismissively. “Now, that’s not the way to look at it. Sure, Miranda’s family background might be modest, but everyone’s ancestors were just farmers a few generations back.

“We live in an egalitarian society that values free choice, not outdated ideas of class compatibility. Besides, Miranda’s such a well–mannered, good–natured young woman–she’s intelligent, accomplished, and I’ve heard Dr. Young holds her in high regard. She has a promising future…”

Sam interrupted, “When I say they’re not well–matched, I mean your son is the one who’s-” Not fit for her.

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