Chapter 94

“I know you’re in there,” Hansel said. “Can you please open the door? We need to talk. Miranda! Can you hear me?”

There was no reply.

“Oh, so that’s how it is, Miranda? You’re not going to open up, huh? Do you think you can keep me out like this?”

Hansel’s tone, initially meek, gradually became flat, then furious as his patience wore thin. Just as he turned to leave, he saw a pair of cold eyes. Stunned, he frowned.

The stairway was narrow and dimly lit. Paul stood on the landing, seemingly having just arrived. His presence at this hour was obvious.

Sam’s recent outburst and Paul’s sudden appearance had finally made Hansel realize the seriousness of the “bees” hovering around Miranda. After calming down, he immediately investigated Paul’s background. Paul was the third Jefferson sibling—no wonder Sam had backed down.

Hansel asked, “Are you here to see Miranda?”

“How is that your concern?” Paul replied expressionlessly.

“You should know who I am to her.”

“And?”

Hansel narrowed his eyes. “If you can take a hint, stay away from her.”

“I’m sorry, but everyone knows I’m tactless.”

“Miranda belongs to me! She’s been mine since before. We’re just fighting; she’ll still be mine afterward.”

Paul frowned. “She’s a person, not an object. She doesn’t belong to anyone. Only she can be the master of her own self.”

Hansel smirked. “You seem to know little about women despite being well-read, Dr. Jefferson. Love and hate are two sides of the same coin. Miranda’s acting this way only because she loves me deeply. If you don’t believe me, try knocking on her door. She won’t open it for you either. Stop longing for something that doesn’t belong to you; it’ll be in vain.”

Hansel walked past him and down the stairs. Paul watched him go, then glanced at Miranda’s door, frowning in puzzlement. He knew Miranda wouldn't open the door for him—or anyone, for that matter—because she wasn't there.

Chapter 94

The weather in Marvedis was glorious. Waves lapped the shore, and fish swam in the sparkling blue ocean. The sun was warm, and the breeze gentle.

Three days earlier, Miranda had received a call from Winter. Her friend had finished her project, and Marshall had returned home for winter break. Winter, bored after two days of idleness, impulsively invited Miranda on a trip.

“As for our destination…” Winter stroked her chin. “Let’s go to Marvedis.”

Miranda briefly considered it before agreeing. “Okay.”

Besides escaping the turmoil with Sam and Hansel, she needed a rest. While she loved reading and studying, she knew constant pressure wasn't healthy. Balance was key.

Now, lying on a beach chair, gazing at the ocean and sky, and listening to the waves, she was pleased with her decision. She sipped her mango juice—perfectly sweet.

Nearby, Winter approached in a revealing outfit. Seeing Miranda's relaxation, she settled into the chair beside her. “Oh, this feels good. You know how to enjoy yourself.”

[End of Chapter] (The "Today's Bonus Offer" seems out of place and should be removed or placed elsewhere.)