Chapter 0491

Paul stood by the elevator on the third floor, seemingly ready to go downstairs to look for someone. Following a chime, the elevator doors opened, and Miranda stepped out.

“Dr. Jefferson,” she greeted.

“Where’d you go?”

“Where are you headed?”

They both asked at the same time, though their tones were entirely different. Miranda sounded relaxed, while Paul seemed slightly anxious, with a hint of worry underlying his voice.

“I ran into Mr. Cooper downstairs, and it held me up for a bit. Here… some water for you, Dr. Jefferson,” Miranda said, taking a bottle from the bag and handing it to him.

Paul glanced at the logo on the bag. It was from the import store on the opposite street. He realized that Miranda probably wouldn’t have gone that far herself, so he asked, “Did he buy it?”

“Yes. I watched over his grandparents while he went to the store across the street. They only drink this brand of water,” she explained.

Paul then took the bottle from her. Miranda looked toward the venue and asked, “So, is it over?”

Paul shook his head. “Not yet. There’s still a line, so it might take a little while.”

Remembering how embarrassed she’d felt earlier, Miranda wasn’t eager to go back inside and get jostled again. But then, she noticed the book in Paul’s hand. “Are you going to line up for a signature, Dr. Jefferson?”

“I’ll wait until the end. I don’t want to squeeze in with the crowd.”

“Right!” Miranda agreed enthusiastically, nodding. That was exactly how she felt.

Paul let out a low chuckle.

“What are you laughing at, Dr. Jefferson?” Miranda asked, puzzled.

“Nothing,” he said with a cough, quickly putting on a more serious expression.

Miranda was puzzled and thought, “Why do I feel like he’s lying, but I have no proof?”

The book signing event was originally scheduled to end at 4:00 pm, but it dragged on until 5:00 pm. Paul and Miranda were the last in line.

As they approached the table, they opened their books and placed them in front of Mindy.

“Hey, Mom, please give me a personalized autograph,” Miranda said playfully.

“Thank you, Mrs. Sutton,” Paul added politely.

Mindy looked up to see her daughter standing there with a bright smile. Beside her was Paul, smiling expectantly.

For a brief moment, Mindy was struck by the image they made—a picture-perfect pair.

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she brushed off the unrealistic idea and picked up her pen. She signed Miranda’s book with the words, “Sail with the wind and waves; hoist your sails high to cross the vast sea.”

For Paul, she wrote, “Stand atop the highest peak to see all the mountains below.”

After the signing, Paul offered to treat them all to dinner.

Lionel protested, “How can that be? If anyone’s treating, it should be us!”

Paul waved the signed book in his hand. “I mean, I got Mrs. Sutton’s personal inscription—isn’t that worth at least a meal?”

Lionel was speechless. He was absolutely right!

Paul then asked Mindy what she’d like to eat, and she said she was fine with anything. He turned to Lionel, who responded, “I’m not picky. Whatever Mimi wants then.”

Finally, Paul looked at Miranda. She thought for a moment, then said, “How about barbecue?”

Everyone agreed with the choice.

On the way to the restaurant, Miranda was browsing her phone when she suddenly exclaimed, “Oh no!”

“What’s wrong?” Lionel asked.

“The barbecue place is really popular. There are already 82 tables ahead of us in line. If we go now, we’ll be waiting forever,” Miranda explained.

“Maybe we should choose another place,” Mindy suggested.

“But this place is supposed to be really good,” Miranda said. “They’re known for their authentic sauce recipe, and it’s supposed to be delicious.”

Of course, her information came from none other than Madison, the food enthusiast.

Paul kept his eyes on the road. There was a faint smile forming on his lips as he said, “No need to change plans. I already made a reservation.”

“That’s great!” Miranda said, visibly relieved.

A few moments later, the thought struck her—how did he know to reserve a table? Hadn’t they just decided on this restaurant? And out of all the barbecue restaurants, how did he know it was the one she wanted?

Miranda glanced at the man’s profile as he drove, her mind churning with curiosity.