When fate plays its hand

Miranda said, “The data’s already out, but it doesn’t meet my requirements.”

Finley Nilsen, the senior technician, took a deep breath. “That fast?” Her speed amazed him— her data processing was as fast as a full lab team.

“Alright,” he said. “I’ll change and be right there. I promise I won’t hold you up today.”

“Thanks, Mr. Nilsen.”

“Oh, no need to thank me. It’s nothing,” Finley replied.

She addressed him as “Mr. Nilsen,” not “Finley” or “Mr. Finley“.

After getting everything ready, the third–generation sample was delivered to the research lab at 8:00 am. Miranda and Finley dove straight into work. Before they knew it, it was already

noon.

Finley said, “Let’s go get lunch.”

“Okay,” she replied.

As they walked, they discussed the afternoon’s testing plan. Just as they were nearing the cafeteria, Sawyer rushed over, looking disheveled his hair was messy, his shirt collar wrinkled, and he clearly hadn’t slept much.

“Miranda…” he panted. “I finally found you.”

She frowned. “What’s going on?”

“I sent you a message, but you didn’t reply. I knocked on your hotel door and got no answer. I thought something happened to you,” he explained.

Miranda said, “I left at 6:30 am. You returned late last night, so I figured you were still resting. I didn’t want to disturb you.”

“6:30 am,

huh…” Sawyer chuckled awkwardly and tried to explain, “I didn’t mean to get drunk last night. I don’t usually do this.

“Harvey and his group wouldn’t let me say no to dinner and drinks. Then we went to karaoke, and that’s why I got back so late… Don’t get me wrong, it was a legit karaoke place, not the kind I usually go to…”

Miranda responded, “I didn’t misunderstand, and it’s none of my business. Mr. Jensen, you go ahead with your work. I’m having lunch with Mr. Nilsen.”

“…Oh, okay.” Sawyer was left standing there as he stared blankly at her retreating figure.

At that moment, he couldn’t help but feel that Finley, walking beside her, seemed much closer to her than he was.

Before he could dwell on it too long, the manager, Harvey Cook, rushed over. “Mr. Jensen, you’re here. I’ve already reserved a table, and it’s the perfect time to head out…”

“No need. I’ll eat at the cafeteria today,” Sawyer said quickly and walked away.

Harvey hurried to catch up with him. “Alright. Then, let me join you.” noveldrama

“…Sure.”

When Sawyer finished his lunch and was ready to find Miranda, she and Finley had already finished eating and were heading back to the lab.

Harvey said, “Mr. Jensen, take a look at the meals we provide for our factory staff—”

“Shut up!” Sawyer cut him off;

Miranda and Finley worked late into the evening, and finally, they both exclaimed, “We did it!

The two happily wrapped up their workday.

That night, Miranda booked her flight back to Jandersville for the following afternoon. She would handle the price negotiations and contract signing in the morning, then head back in the afternoon–perfect timing.

Paul called her. “Should I pick-you up from the airport tomorrow?”

“Sure.” Miranda smiled and agreed. “Thanks, boyfriend.”

He blushed. “See you tomorrow.”

“Mm, see you tomorrow.”

The following morning, Miranda got up early, packed her bags, and was heading out when she bumped into Sawyer, who was also leaving his room.

“Miranda, I didn’t drink last night and didn’t go to karaoke,” he said.

She was surprised.

Sawyer continued, “I heard that the third–generation product you tested yesterday met your standards. Congratulations.”

“Thanks.”

“So, are you heading to the factory to talk to Harvey about the cooperation?” he asked.

“Yeah. I’ll finish up in the morning and head back in the afternoon,” Miranda replied.

“Huh?” Sawyer was stunned. “So soon? Miranda since you’re already here, let me show you around Zettenburg. I know the area pretty well, ”

She cut him off, “Mr. Jensen, I have a boyfriend.3