“Why do I need the transferor’s signature? What for?” Miranda asked the staff member in front of her, unable to hold back the question.

The staff explained, “The property in question is quite large. Even though you have a formal transfer contract, according to regulations, you still need an additional written consent with the transferor’s personal signature.”

Miranda tightened her grip on the documents. This meant Hansel would have to sign.

“Good morning, Mr. Johnson.”

As soon as Hansel stepped out of the elevator, Joe was waiting at the door, greeting him with a smile. “At 9:00 am, there’s a collective meeting with the investors to discuss long-term investment in Wholly Foods. At 10:00 am, Mr. Waver from Heltech is coming to discuss a collaboration. At 11:00 am, there’s a departmental review meeting. In the afternoon, as per your previous plan, you’re scheduled to play golf with Mr. Levy from Arkon. That’s the day’s agenda.” Joe reported the schedule as they walked, timing it perfectly to finish just before Hansel entered his office.

Hansel paused for a moment. “Cancel the collective meeting with the investors. Also, tell Houston Waver that I’ll only give him half an hour. If his proposal lacks sincerity again like last time, there’s no point in continuing discussions.”

“Yes, sir.”

He pushed open the door to his office, where a freshly brewed cup of coffee was already on the desk. Hansel touched the side of the cup—it was the perfect temperature. He picked it up and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window. But after just one sip, he turned back and set the cup down, not touching it again. After all this time, it still wasn’t as good as the coffee she used to make…

It was the same coffee beans, the same machine, even the cups were identical. So why did it taste different?

One year had passed, and Hansel still hadn’t adjusted to her absence. The coffee was wrong, the pumpkin soup was wrong, the braised beef was wrong, the living room layout was wrong, even the bedsheets in the bedroom were wrong… Everything was wrong. Thinking about this, he couldn’t help but let out a bitter smile.

“Come in.”

Joe entered with breakfast, placed it down, and quietly left the room again. Hansel had no appetite, but he forced himself to eat a little.

The rest of the morning was spent in meetings, reviewing reports, and signing documents. Day after day, he worked like a machine. His life had always been like this before, but at least he had a home to return to. Now, going back to that empty mansion no longer felt like going home. After all, the woman who used to leave a light on for him late at night was no longer there.

In the afternoon, Hansel grabbed his coat, ready to head to the golf course. Joe came in, looking a bit excited. “Mr. Johnson, Ms. Su-”

“Book a table at Tailgate Tower. We’ll head there after the game,” Hansel interrupted, giving his instruction.

Joe hesitated. “Alright. Mr. Johnson, but Ms. Su-” Ms. Sutton came! But before he could finish, Hansel added, “Mr. Levy prefers lighter food and doesn’t eat seafood. Keep that in mind when ordering.”

“Got it.”

Hansel was already putting on his suit jacket when he suddenly looked up. “What were you going to say just now?”

“Oh! Ms. Sutton is here. She’s waiting outside.” Joe sighed in relief. Finally, he managed to get the words out!

“Ms. Sutton? Which one?” Hansel didn’t react immediately.

“Ms. Miranda Sutton!” Joe was practically frantic. Hansel had missed her so much when she wasn’t around, always thinking about her. Now that she was here, he was acting indifferent? Joe couldn’t believe him.

But Hansel wasn’t indifferent at all. He just couldn’t believe it. “What did you say?”

Joe repeated, “Ms. Miranda Sutton is here. She’s waiting outside. Should I invite her in?”

“Do you really need to ask?” Hansel finally realized he wasn’t imagining things! Miranda had come! Even when they were dating, she rarely came to his office. That was why he could always get away with using overtime as an excuse.

“What are you waiting for? Go bring her in!”