When fate plays its hand

Q

Especially when the woman in question–Miranda–was beautiful and living in a run–down apartment building.

It didn’t take much to figure out what was happening. She had probably caught the eye of some wealthy man because of her looks, and now he was trying to win her over with a car. Or maybe she was already his, and the car was just a reward.

Gage couldn’t help but think how amazing it must be to be rich and casually spend seven figures on a Maserati. Too bad he was a man, Otherwise, he might have tried to latch onto a wealthy man.

These days, it seemed like all a woman had to do was sleep her way to the top, and the money would come rolling in. So, why would Miranda act so holier–than–thou?

“Ms. Sutton, I’m sure you’re a smart woman. Sometimes, it’s best not to overdo the ‘play hard to get ac You’ve got to know when to take the win and walk away, or you could make things worse. Don’t you agree?

Gage’s underlying message was clear–the wealthy man gave Miranda the car because he was interested in her. She only needed to play a little hard to get to show him she understood his intentions without taking it too far.

Upon hearing that, she scoffed and didn’t even bother to continue the conversation with him. She had already figured out who had sent the car. “Please move aside. I need to close the door.”

Gage realized she wasn’t messing around and genuinely didn’t want the car, so he quickly said, “This car is a gift from Mr. Hansel Johnson. You should really think this over.

“He’s the CEO of a publicly traded company and a business mogul. You should consider yourself lucky that someone of his stature is interested in you, and a gift from him is-”

Before he could finish, a shout echoed from downstairs. “Who the hell is blocking the alley this time? Just because it’s a Maserati, you think you’re special! I swear, I’ll report you right now!”

Miranda crossed her arms and smiled wryly. “The residents here don’t care if it’s a Maserati or a Rolls- Royce. If it’s blocking the alley, you’ll get an earful.”

Gage was stunned. “A–Are you sure you don’t want it?”

It was a Maserati. A Maserati, for crying out loud.

She simply replied, “Drive it away.”

Gage was at a loss for words.

With a loud slam, the door shut before him.

As he walked away, he was utterly dumbfounded. Was there really a woman who would turn down a free Maserati? Was Miranda trying to act all high and mighty?

As soon as Gage left, Hansel’s call came through. “Why didn’t you accept the car I sent you?” His voice was low, with a hint of restrained frustration.

Miranda could tell he was trying to keep his anger in check. “Why should I accept your car?” she

responded coolly. “What exactly are we to each other? Why would you give me a car, and why should I take it?”

There was a brief silence before he gritted his teeth and responded, “Aren’t we friends? What’s wrong with me giving you a gift?”

“If it’s a gift, you should be ready for it to be turned down.” After saying that, she ended the call decisively.

On the other end, Hansel was so angry he nearly threw his phone.

Outside the door, Willow heard his frustrated voice but stayed silent. She waited a moment before raising her hand to knock on the door.

“Come in.” He had already composed himself. Though his eyes were bloodshot, he acted as if nothing had happened.

She pushed the door open and smiled warmly. “Thanks for letting me use your study room. Martha mentioned you like pumpkin soup, so I made some. Consider it as my way of returning the favor.

“The soup has cooled down a little, so it’s not too hot anymore. I’ll leave it here so you can enjoy it while

it’s still warm.”

Hansel hummed, but his mood still fluctuated. “You can leave now. I’ve got things to do.”

“Okay.” After setting the soup down, Willow smiled and nodded understandingly.

But as she turned away, her smile vanished, and a brief look of jealousy flickered in her eyes. A Maserati? It was worth more than the Channelle she wore or the Hermès bag she carried.