Chapter 64
“Have you finally come to your senses?” Zach shot to his feet. “Are you going to stop acting like a man without mortal desires?”
Despite the sarcastic remarks, Hansel remained expressionless. He didn't even raise an eyebrow.
“There’s no special meaning to it, and it’s not my first time,” Hansel replied.
Zach clapped his hands, glad his friend was back to normal. “Alright. I’ll arrange it for you right away. I promise it’ll be hassle-free.”
Less than five minutes after their call ended, Zach sent an address: “Majestica, 1080. I’ve had my eye on this one for a while. She’s untouched. Consider it a gift.”
Hansel curled his lip, grabbed his jacket, and left. It was late; precious time was ticking away.
The next day, Zach emerged from his room in a bathrobe. He’d had a lot to drink the previous night and didn’t wake until noon.
Majestica was a Graham family business. The hotel had reserved an expensive suite for Zach—much larger than an average apartment, with three rooms.
Zach yawned and ruffled his hair. Feeling parched, he poured himself a glass of wine before heading to the living room. As he entered, he saw a woman’s voluptuous figure from behind. Several small, red marks were visible on her exposed shoulders.
She looked at Hansel with sad, doe-like eyes. He seemed unaffected, handing her money and dismissing her immediately.
Hansel lifted his gaze and met Zach’s knowing look. He calmly lit a cigarette.
“I almost fell for her, seeing that longing, pitiful look in her eyes. You didn’t react at all. Can’t you be a bit kinder to women?”
Hansel smiled dryly. “Why bother? I’m paying for her services.”
“You have a point.” Zach raised his glass. “Want some?”
“No.” Hansel replied. The day had just begun; only an alcoholic like Zach would drink at this hour.
The cigarette between Hansel’s fingers burned slowly. He inhaled, exhaled smoke rings, a hazy cloud forming around him. His expression remained blank; he didn’t seem relieved or satisfied after spending the night with a beautiful woman.
Zach watched him thoughtfully, leaning closer. “You were out all night… Aren’t you worried Miranda might be upset?”
Hansel frowned. “Upset? Why would an ex-girlfriend have a right to be upset?”
Clearly, Hansel and Miranda hadn’t reconciled. However…
“Don’t you have Ingrid? Why ask me to get you a girl from Majestica instead of sleeping with Ingrid?”
Ingrid was pretty and well-proportioned. While not as classy or elegant as Miranda, she possessed a young, innocent allure. Yet, Hansel wouldn't touch her.
Hansel blew another smoke ring. “Proper ladies are troublesome.”
Zach grinned. “Why wasn’t Miranda troublesome in the past? She seems like the type to get serious easily.”
Hansel paused. “That’s why I spent six years breaking up with her.”
Zach burst out laughing. “Only you could say that with a straight face.”
In mid-October, Miranda received an email from the SCI Journal. Her paper had passed the preliminary review.
Winter was surprised. “Oh my god! Mimi, you’re a genius! It’s the SCI Journal! Good heavens!”
Miranda replied, “Stop. It’s just a preliminary review. It’s too soon to celebrate.”
“If it’s your work, I’m sure it’ll pass the next two rounds easily. Don’t worry. Let me treat you to dinner to celebrate the preliminary review.”