It was so embarrassing!

In the end, Paul helped her weave through the crowd until they finally reached the outer edge. At last, there was no one pushing her around.

“Phew,” Miranda exhaled in relief. But then, just as she looked up, she unexpectedly met Paul’s amused gaze.

“Sorry, Dr. Jefferson… I…” she stammered.

Paul pointed to the side of her cheek. “Your hair is stuck to your face.”

“…Huh?”

Miranda instinctively reached up but didn’t quite get it right. Seeing her struggle, Paul gently moved to brush it away for her.

Though he tried to be as careful as possible, his fingers still inevitably grazed her soft, warm skin. He steadied himself and said, “…All set.”

Feeling a bit awkward, Miranda tucked the stray lock of hair behind her ear. The crowd had messed up her hair, and the slight sweat had made a few strands stick to her cheek.

Recalling the moment she had stumbled into Paul’s arms, Miranda’s cheeks grew even warmer, and her breath quickened. She couldn’t stay there any longer.

“Dr. Jefferson, are you thirsty? I–I’ll go down and get us some water!” she blurted out before quickly making her escape.

Paul opened his mouth to say that he wasn’t thirsty and that he could get her water if she needed some, but she was already gone.

Miranda took the elevator from the third floor down to the first. Only after making sure she was out of sight did she finally relax.

Just as she turned around, she bumped right into Sam.

He wasn’t alone; he was accompanied by two elderly people. The old man had a full head of white hair, a square face, and three deep wrinkles on his forehead that made him look stern and tough at first glance.

Beside him, the elderly lady seemed a bit softer, though her face looked troubled. Her eyes seemed vacant, and she was leaning on a cane.

Noticing Miranda’s gaze, the old lady turned her head slightly toward her, her eyes briefly showing confusion before looking away.

Sam was just as surprised by the encounter. He had taken the day off specifically to accompany his grandparents on an outing.

They had returned to the country a week ago, and Sam had prepared the family estate for them. However, his grandmother had fallen ill from the climate change after just one night at the house and had been hospitalized.

Today was her discharge day. As Sam picked them up, they decided to stop by the city center and eventually wandered into the bookstore.

Seeing Miranda here wasn’t a total shock when he remembered that Mindy’s book signing event was happening the same day.

After they exchanged greetings, Sam introduced his grandparents.

As Sam spoke, his grandfather, Aren Garrison, couldn’t help but study the young woman in front of him. He noticed how different she was from most young women who pursued a thin, frail look that made them seem weak and unhealthy.

Miranda was different. Her face had soft lines, a classic oval shape, and her skin was fair—not the ghostly pale of someone who never saw the sun, but a healthy glow with a hint of rosy cheeks. Her figure was well-proportioned, and her high ponytail made her look both neat and energetic.

Her eyes, in particular, stood out—clear, lively, with deep brown irises that sparkled like amber. They reminded him of another pair of eyes he once knew, eyes that also curved with a smile, like little crescent moons.

Miranda smiled warmly and greeted the elderly couple. To Sam’s surprise, the stern old man returned her greeting with a slight smile, “Hello.”

Sam was taken aback. In his memory, his grandfather was always serious and stern, especially with younger family members, never showing such kindness.

He’d heard from the house staff that his grandparents used to be very kind and gentle in their younger days, rarely losing their tempers.