Chapter 136

Miranda smiled faintly. “It’s okay, we can talk about it later.”

Even with her reassurance, the conversation ended abruptly. Winter’s side of the call became noisy. “Mimi, I need to go. Family dinner’s starting, and Mom’s looking for me.”

“Alright,” Miranda replied.

After hanging up, Miranda was about to put away her phone when several WhatsApp messages arrived. They were from Sam. He sent documents related to an international lawsuit, along with receipts and a brief update. Several forms also needed her signature.

Miranda was surprised by the case's rapid progress, considering the usual complexities and delays of international lawsuits. She downloaded the documents, signed them online, and sent them back to Sam.

Sam quickly confirmed receipt and then sent a playful message: “You trust me that much? Aren’t you worried I might betray you?”

Miranda replied, “You wouldn’t.”

Sam felt a warm glow and smiled. Her trust clearly pleased him. He typed, “Don’t worry, it’s just routine paperwork. Nothing more, I promise.”

Miranda raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. She wasn’t naive; she had carefully reviewed each document before signing. Besides, if Sam intended to deceive her, he wouldn’t use such obvious methods.

A few seconds later, Miranda’s phone buzzed again.

Sam: “Merry Christmas Eve, Miranda. I hope my wish comes true next year.”

Miranda turned her phone face down on the bed. She wasn’t Santa Claus; why should she care about his wish?

“Mimi, Dad’s carved the turkey! Come eat!” Mindy called from downstairs.

Miranda quickly replied, “Coming!”

By 9:00 p.m., the Christmas special was on TV. Sitting on the couch with her parents, Miranda enjoyed roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy. The TV host’s cheerful voice filled the room, and her mother occasionally gave her sweet apple pie. It was a perfect, happy Christmas Eve.

At midnight, as the TV hosts counted down to Christmas, colorful Christmas lights reflected off the snow, creating a magical scene in the neighborhood. In the yard, Lionel was setting up a small bonfire. Mindy stood nearby in her coat, reminding him, “Be careful…”

The crackling fire enhanced the festive atmosphere. Miranda was smiling at her parents when her phone buzzed—a call from an unknown number. Normally, she wouldn’t answer, but since the call originated from Elgerson City, she decided to pick up.

“Merry Christmas,” a calm, familiar voice said.

Miranda smiled even wider, gazing at the Christmas lights. “Dr. Jefferson, Merry Christmas.”

Paul, having pieced together from Winter’s comments that Miranda might be home for the holidays, went to his study after his family dinner to work on some experiment data. However, his thoughts kept returning to his phone. He found Miranda’s number—the one she’d given him when they first met—and decided to call. As he dialed, his heart raced. When she answered, he blurted out, “Merry Christmas…”