Chapter 97

Hansel hadn't slept well and was already sleepy. Yawning, he looked up to see Ingrid taking a photo of them. His expression instantly turned grim, and he blocked the camera.

Ingrid was stunned. "Dear, it's our first overseas trip. Don't you want a photo together?"

"I don't like taking photos," Hansel replied coolly. He closed his eyes and rested.

Ingrid bit her lip. Her excitement vanished.

The scenery was impeccable. As they alighted from the seaplane, staff welcomed them. After checking into the hotel, staff helped with their luggage. Tired, Hansel headed for the elevators. He looked up and saw Sam.

Sam had just exited the elevator. He wore a flowery short-sleeved shirt and matching beach pants, blending in with the local style. His attractive build and striking looks made even the gaudy attire seem languidly elegant.

Sam noticed Hansel immediately. Stunned at first, he approached with a half-smile, sunglasses in hand, looking carefree yet unruly. "Hi there, on vacation?"

Hansel was emotionless. "Yeah. What a coincidence."

Sam smiled. "Perhaps it's fate? But you're too slow. I arrived a day earlier."

Hansel's expression soured. "Thanks to someone, I was delayed by false information. But you seem to have achieved nothing despite arriving a day early."

Sam was speechless.

Hansel continued, "Do you think she'll be swayed by your tricks, by following her here like a persistent fly? I know her well. With me around, things will never work out between you two." He was confident. Given his relationship with Miranda, Sam wouldn't have a chance, even if they had broken up.

Sam's gaze turned sullen. He gave Hansel a lopsided smile and looked thoughtfully at Ingrid. "I'll have to try to find out, right? Humans change. You changed too, didn't you?" He patted Hansel's shoulder. "Enjoy your vacation."

Hansel dodged him. "Whether I enjoy my vacation is none of your concern. However, I think someone isn't going to enjoy their trip."

He strode into the elevator. Ingrid quickly followed, grabbing his arm. From Sam's words, did that mean… that person was here too?

The elevator doors opened. Hansel withdrew his arm. "I have something else to do. Go on and enjoy yourself." He walked away without looking back.

Miranda stared at the fox mask she held. The carving and artistry were intricate; even the eyes looked alive.

"Where did you get this? It's quite pretty," Miranda asked Winter curiously.

She tried it on. It covered only the upper half of her face, blending surprisingly well. It was as though they were one.

"The hotel's organizing a masquerade ball at 8:00 p.m. Attendees must wear masks. I chose a fox design for you. Isn't it pretty?" Winter glanced at her attire.

Miranda wore a long red-and-white striped skirt, a pearl hairpin holding her hair back, and a red pendant dangling at her head. It was captivating, complementing the fox mask perfectly.