When fate plays its hand

Miranda turned, and Sam met her gaze with a frown.

“Mr. Cooper, I think I’ve troubled you again.”

He paused briefly, then gave her a faint smile. “I love being troubled by you.”

Miranda lowered her eyes. “But your love… I don’t have much to offer in return. I can only thank you. Is it really worth it?”

Her words carried a subtle double meaning

Sam hadn’t expected her to be so direct. He hesitated for a moment and continued to smile. “You’ve made your stance clear, and I’ve made mine. Refusing is your right, but continuing to pursue you is my choice. And I’ve always believed…

She looked at him.

He met her gaze and emphasized each word with intention. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way worked out yet, it’s just not the right time.”

“And if the right time never comes?” she asked.

“Then, I’ll keep waiting.

“You’ll only end up disappointed.”

■I’m not worried. I know how to take a loss.”

If it hasn’t

Miranda bowed her head slightly, then stepped into the car and sat in the passenger seat. She took off the jacket, smoothed out the wrinkles with her hand, and handed it back to him.

Sam gestured for her to leave it in the backseat, then started the engine and drove away. As the car moved, they began talking about what had happened earlier.

Miranda mentioned casually, “It’s a good thing Dr. Jefferson taught me how to handle situations like being blinded by high beams. Otherwise, I might’ve panicked, missed the brake, and instinctively swerved right…

And on the right, there was a guardrail, with Orson, Bram, and Tobin squatting just outside. If any of them had jumped out, it would’ve been a disaster.

“Paul?” Sam caught on immediately. “He taught you? How?”

Miranda didn’t think much of the question and answered honestly. “He’s been helping me practice driving lately.”

His eyes narrowed slightly, and his grip on the steering wheel tightened. His tone was calm, but there was an edge to it. “Isn’t he busy? How does he find time to help you?”

“He doesn’t seem that busy. He’s been home on weekends recently,” she replied.

Really?” His response carried a subtle undertone. “He must be very patient.

At the mention of patience, Miranda perked up. “Last time, and even before that… “Dr. Jefferson has been

the most patient person I’ve ever met.

“He’s so calm, never loses his temper, and doesn’t scold anyone. Others say he’s cold and unapproachable, but I think they’ve got him all wrong.

As she went on about Paul’s qualities, Sam’s face stayed neutral, but his thoughts churned with irritation.

He cursed silently, “Patient? That’s only because he’s up to something. Calm? It depends on who he’s dealing with ”

When they reached the alley, Sam suddenly pulled over. The sudden stop jolted Miranda forward before her seatbelt pulled her back.

He looked at her with a hint of regret in his eyes. “Sorry.

“It’s fine. Thanks for today.”

She unfastened her seatbelt and pushed the door open, ready to leave.

Sam called after her. “Next time, don’t try to handle things alone. If money can solve it

for time.”

“Got it. Hopefully, there won’t be a next time.”

“Hold on!” Sam said suddenly, stepping out of the car.

Miranda turned toward him and was confused.

“I’ll walk you upstairs,” he offered.

“No thank-

1. up. If not, stall

Before she could finish, a figure appeared from the shadows and approached them. As the person stepped into the light, the details of his face became clear

“Dr. Jefferson?” Miranda was surprised.

Paul walked up to them. His gaze briefly swept over Sam. Their eyes met, and something unspoken flickered in Paul’s expression.

Sam’s lips curved into a subtle, almost taunting smile as he met Paul’s gaze with an unspoken challenge.

Paul withdrew his gaze and turned to Miranda. “What happened on the road? You’re home two hours later than usual.