When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0924

These old–timers like Crosby weren’t strangers to trying to matchmake Paul, whether setting him up with relatives or pairing him with students. Over the years, they had tried countless times, and Paul’s answer was always the same. “Not considering it at the moment.”

Crosby hadn’t planned on bringing it up this time since he knew it would likely lead nowhere. But it was hard to ignore Whitney’s persistence.

Even two years after the International Physics Conference, while she seemed unconcerned with the big picture of her future, she couldn’t stop thinking about Paul. novelbin

Every professor had their own “Miranda“. Crosby had noticed this, so he wanted to help Whitney out. If he was rejected, so be it. After all, he was used to it. But what if this time it worked?

He was mentally prepared to hear Paul’s usual rejection, but Paul surprised him by saying he already had someone he liked.

Still reeling from the shock, Crosby was left speechless as Paul walked away. He was left

standing there and unable to process what had just happened. “Wait… Who is he interested in?

11

Christine led Miranda to meet several senior academic scholars. After exchanging pleasant es, Miranda quietly listened to their conversation.

Sensing that Miranda might get bored, Christine leaned over and whispered, “Are you hungry? Go grab something to eat.

“Okay.”

Though Miranda couldn’t join in the conversation, she found their academic discussion interesting. But before long, the talk shifted to family matters. As expected, when a group of elderly women gathered, it was hard for them not to gossip.

Miranda quickly excused herself. She feared she might accidentally blurt something out if she stayed too long. After all, some of the gossip she’d heard could cause a real stir in the academic world.

After a round of visits to the drinks counter and dessert table, she grabbed a cup of her favorite hot beverage and a few pastries. After nibbling at them, she felt about 70% full.

When she saw Christine and her friends deep in conversation, Miranda didn’t want to interrupt. Instead, she quietly made her way toward the back door of the banquet hall that led to a small garden.

At that moment, the night breeze was gentle and a little chilling. As soon as she pushed open the door, a sudden chill ran through her, but the crisp air immediately cleared her mind.

Miranda walked through the corridor, and the sounds of the busy hall gradually faded away as the surroundings grew quieter.

With her hands behind her back, she strolled through the garden while inhaling the fresh air and feeling the soft, cool breeze. For the first time in days, all the tension seemed to melt

away.

The past few days had been nonstop with summit forums, academic exchanges, and tours. She hadn’t allowed herself a moment to relax, but now, finally, she could take a deep breath and unwind as if shedding a heavy burden.

Miranda gazed at the sky, where the city lights drowned out the stars. In the distance, countless windows glimmered like scattered jewels while neon signs cast a kaleidoscope of color over the night.

She walked along the garden path and came across a glass greenhouse. The door was decorated with a string of shell wind chimes that tinkled softly as the breeze passed by.

Miranda stood at the foot of the stairs and dared not open the door. Suddenly, á light laugh came from behind her. “It’s you.”

She turned to see a man in his 40s with well–defined features. Dressed in a suit, he held a wine glass with red wine, about a third full. He was smiling as he looked at her.

“Pardon? And you are?” She addressed him respectfully.

“My name is Wyatt Saberton. I’m a professor at Echo Bay Institute of Technology.” His Hebranian wasn’t perfect, but his accent made his origins obvious.

“Dr. Saberton.” Miranda nodded slightly in greeting. She was about to leave when he suddenly called out to her.

“Hold on.”

Miranda turned back. “Is there something else, Dr. Saberton?”