Chapter 0231

Paul adjusted his glasses, his expression giving nothing away.

The next moment, Sam crossed the street and walked toward Miranda. “I was just about to head up and find you. Didn’t expect to run into you here.”

“Is there something you need?” Miranda asked.

“Yes.” He nodded, his expression somewhat serious. “Can we talk somewhere else?”

Miranda glanced at Paul, and Sam followed her gaze, letting his eyes fall on him as well.

“Dr. Jefferson, fancy seeing you again,” Sam greeted him.

Paul replied calmly, “Not really a coincidence. If you’re looking for Miranda, you’re likely to run into me.”

Sam paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. Paul met his gaze steadily with a calm and composed expression.

“Will half an hour be enough?” Miranda asked, checking the time on her wristwatch.

“That’ll be enough.”

“Let’s sit at that café across the street,” Miranda suggested.

This area was full of cafés and restaurants. Since it wasn’t yet time for the evening classes to end, the usual crowd of students hadn’t gathered, making it relatively quiet.

Once they were seated, Miranda got straight to the point. “What’s going on? Tell me.”

Sam began, “While investigating those two incidents in the Marvedis, the legal team gathered some evidence that, at the time, couldn’t be definitively linked to our case. Hence, it wasn’t included in the final report.”

“Recently, while reviewing the files, I stumbled upon something new that I think you’d be interested in.”

“What kind of new information?” Miranda asked, puzzled.

“Take a look at this,” Sam said, handing over a report. “Check the sections I’ve circled in red.”

Miranda looked confused as she opened the report, but as she read further, her expression grew increasingly serious.

Sam pointed out, “Did you notice? Whether it was the oxygen tank leak or the sudden appearance of the snake in the gift box, based on the feasibility analysis here, Ingrid couldn’t have done it alone. Reviewing the monitoring footage confirms this.”

Miranda frowned. “You’re saying Ingrid had help?”

“According to the investigation results, that seems highly likely. But of course,” Sam continued, rubbing his hands together, “investigating this further might not hold much legal weight now.”

This was because the domestic police had already officially stated they wouldn’t be taking the case.

Sam added, “But I still chose to tell you. First, you have the right to know everything, and second, as a heads up. Ingrid isn’t simple—there may be others helping her. Unless absolutely necessary, it’s best to avoid contact with her. Also, stay vigilant and be cautious of your surroundings. If anything happens, call me anytime. I’m always available.”

He spread his hands and shrugged, a carefree attitude on display. Miranda couldn’t help but laugh.

“Mr. Cooper, with all your important work, I wouldn’t dare disturb you too often.”

“I am busy, but I’d gladly make time for you. In fact,” Sam said, his eyes meeting hers with a steady intensity, “only you have that privilege. No one else gets that.”

Miranda’s smile faltered slightly, and she responded more seriously, “Thank you for telling me all this. I appreciate it.”

Sam gave a small smile. “It’s no trouble because…” He enunciated each word, “I want to.”

Feeling the intensity of his gaze, Miranda looked away, suddenly feeling shy. “It’s getting late. I should head back.”

“Alright,” Sam agreed, standing up and grabbing his jacket. “I’ll walk you back.”

As they crossed the street, Sam’s gaze suddenly froze.

Paul was still standing in the same spot. He looked as if he hadn’t moved at all.