Sam said, “Miranda grew up in a loving family. Do you know what that means?”

Hansel turned to face him.

Sam continued, stressing each word, “It means she had the heart to love and the courage to walk away without regret. She was willing to stand against everything and everyone for what she believed in when she was with you. It’s a shame you couldn’t see that. Miranda’s actions and unconditional forgiveness might make it seem like she was blinded by love for you and everyone else. But I see it differently. She was all in for the man she chose and for the decisions she made, giving everything without holding back. And all she ever wanted in return was for things to end as well as they began.”

He knew how to hit where it hurt.

Hansel staggered, and his eyes reddened. “Are you trying to rub it in?”

“You can see it that way.” Sam shrugged. He didn’t even bother to deny it.

After a pause, he continued, “A woman from a family like that has a clear vision of what she wants in love. She seeks something complete, accepting, untainted–a love without compromises.”

It wasn’t a choice made after endless contemplation. Sam thought Hansel had been a terrible match for Miranda, yet he also recognized his own flaws. He had always been the type to strategize and to plot every move carefully. In the past, he would never have considered sacrificing profitable projects just to pursue a woman.

But Hansel was right–pursuing love didn’t have to clash with ambition. Still, something inside Sam stirred and urged him to abandon his usual caution. He wanted to act on impulse for Miranda, just this once. Maybe there would be another moment like this–two, three, countless times.

Hansel then stormed out and slammed the door with a thunderous bang. Calvin and Zach, standing just behind it, nearly jumped out of their skins.

“Hans looks like he is going to bite someone’s head off,” Calvin remarked.

“Don’t sugarcoat it. Just say he will,” Zach replied.

Sam called the waiter to come in and clear away the shattered pieces on the floor. While they worked, he brewed a third round of tea.

“Come and give this a try. It takes three brews to bring out the flavor, and it’s even better when it cools down.”

Zach accepted the cup and sipped as he tried to discern any difference from ordinary tea. He couldn’t quite taste it, but he kept that to himself.

Calvin patted his belly and let out a loud burp. “I think I’ll pass on another cup. I’ve had my fill already.”

Sam shook his head with an expression that said, “You have no idea what you’re missing out on.”

Calvin shrugged and rolled his eyes. Then, he leaned in closer and asked curiously, “So, did you really meet Miranda’s parents, Sam?”

Zach held his cup and pretended to savor the flavor. But his gossip radar was fully tuned in. He mused, "Go on. Ask him more. I want to hear this.”

Sam raised an eyebrow. “You think I’m making this up?”

“Does that count as meeting her parents?” Calvin asked.

“Not really. But it’s a good way to earn some points,” Sam replied.

“So, you’ve earned some points then?”

Sam traced the rim of his cup with his finger. “I guess so.”

Zach suddenly connected the dots. “Wait! So this tea hangout was just an excuse for you to brag?”

Sam lowered his gaze and took another sip. He muttered, “Mmm, this tea is delicious.”

After leaving the tea house, Hansel returned to the office and called Joe. “Compile all the projects we’re working on with Sam. I need the report in two hours.”

Joe was stunned and asked, “Including those with third-party management?”

“Yeah,” Hansel replied.

“Got it.”

An hour later, Joe placed the organized documents on Hansel’s desk before quietly exiting and closing the door behind him.