Out of politeness, Miranda lightly shook his hand but quickly pulled hers back. Kai thought for a moment and extended his hand toward Madison.Madison had just eaten a tart and hadn't brushed off the crumbs on her hands. Feeling a bit embarrassed, she apologized, "Uh… I'll skip the handshake. Sorry
Miranda calmly withdrew her gaze and focused on her meal. The dishes prepared by the Landons for their guests were, of course, exceptional.Word had it that they had even invited a national banquet chef for the occasion; the food was exquisite, pleasing in both taste and presentation. Even a simple
Scott wondered why did it suddenly feel so chilly?Paul's presence was entirely unexpected. His grandfather, Bradley Jefferson, and Samuel had been close friends in their youth. They had built their fortunes side by side before ultimately choosing separate paths—one in business, the other in politic
"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' gath
Scott winced slightly from the pinch Heidi had given him but quickly composed himself.After clearing his throat, he said, "What I mean is, our son is old enough now, and it's only natural he'd start feeling things. After all, which young woman doesn't yearn for romance, and which young man doesn't
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… Academic
Then there was a photo from when Sebastian was ten."He's so chubby!" Miranda blurted out.In the picture, Sebastian had lost the cute baby look and now resembled a small, plump bear. He was not only chubby but also tanned. His eyes were barely visible, squished by his cheeks.It was summertime, so
"Alright." Miranda nodded with a smile. "I'll head out first. Goodbye, Mr. and Mrs. Landon!""Wait! Take me with you! I'm heading the same way!" Madison called out.Sebastian pulled her back, saying, "Why are you trying to join them? I'll drive you home in a bit.""Uh, isn't that a bit… inconvenient
Out in the hallway, Miranda smiled sweetly and waved at Paul. "Good night, Paul."Paul lingered for a moment before asking, "That's it? Nothing else?""What do you mean?""That's not the impression you were giving me earlier," he muttered. "What did I do?" she asked, puzzled."You gave me a look… a
The table was filled with dishes that smelled and looked delicious. "Paul, your cooking has improved again," Mindy said after having a bite of steak. Lionel pointed at the plate of mashed potatoes and said, "This tastes just like how we do it back in Lumberville. I'm not exaggerating, but most loc
Even while he was busy in the kitchen, Paul didn't neglect Lionel and Mindy. He would occasionally step out to refill their water or steep a fresh pot of tea."Mr. and Mrs. Sutton, what time did you leave home? Was the journey tiring?" Paul asked. "We took a cab from home at around 7:00 am and reac
"Then whose gossip is interesting?" Miranda countered. Paul didn't miss a beat when he replied, "Ours, of course." The next second, he pulled Miranda onto his lap. He stood up from the couch and lifted her in his strong arms effortlessly, carrying her like she weighed nothing. "Oh!" Miranda let o
Miranda thought about it seriously for two seconds before replying, "I'm sorry, Paul. As you heard, my dad wants me to go home for Christmas."Besides, I already spent last year's holidays in Elgerson and didn't go back to Lumberville. I don't know how my dad managed to handle my grandparents back t
"I—" Miranda was about to respond when her phone suddenly rang. She glanced at the screen and turned to Paul with a smile. "Speak of the devil… Some people just appear the moment you mention them."She swiped on her phone to answer, "Hello, Dad?""Mimi, have you eaten yet?" Lionel's voice came thro
Miranda remarked, "You don't seem surprised, either."Paul answered, "The Grahams would never let their only heir be sent to prison. They would definitely find a way to get him out. Even Uncle Damian and Aunt Natalie know that.""Does Winter know?""She does. Uncle Damian said she took it well. She
Calvin was at a loss for words after listening to what Paul said. Still, he wanted to try one last time. "Dr. Jefferson, Zach really loves Winter. He only did it because he was afraid of losing her. His life will be ruined if this incident leaves him with a criminal record."Paul raised an eyebrow
Zach shouldn't have returned so soon. He was at least 20 minutes early compared to what they estimated. "It must be the alarm from the main door," Paul said. Zach must have received a security alert and turned back halfway. Otherwise, he wouldn't have made it back this fast.As the car pulled to a