When fate plays its hand

Miranda sneered coldly. “Does this mean any woman with a bit of achievement must have climbed her way up by sleeping with men in your eyes? Speaking of which, let’s just take a look at Dr. Rachel Browne from Echo Bay Institute of Technology.

“Not only is she one of the country’s top astrophysicists, but she’s also a guest lecturer at the National Space Agency. Who did she rely on? Who else could possibly be more accomplished than her in that field? How dare you dismiss the efforts of an outstanding woman with just a single sentence?

“Is it because your thoughts are so filthy that you see everyone as dirty–minded as you? Or is it because your narrow and vulgar mind can’t comprehend the hard work and dedication of women who contributed to science?

“Before today, I thought everyone attending this summit were esteemed figures and knowledgeable scholars of science. However, it seems that is not entirely the case.”

Wyatt’s expression darkened with anger and frustration. As he was about to retort, Christine entered through a side door on the left. Her glasses reflected a cold glint as she fixed her gaze on Wyatt. “Dr. Saberton, I heard everything you just said. Miranda is my student.

“I don’t know what you’re insinuating or trying to imply, but I won’t allow my student to be subjected to humiliation and slander. Apologize to her right now!” Christine spoke in a commanding tone, like a mother hen guarding her chick protectively.

Wyatt’s face turned even uglier. He hesitated after another person joined in the fray as more people might start gathering to watch the scene. He still valued his reputation, after all. “I was just joking earlier…”

Miranda interrupted him, “That wasn’t funny at all.”

Paul added calmly, “If your so–called joke involved disregarding the hard work and contributions of women in academia, or slandering a student for having inappropriate relations with her mentor, then your joke had definitely gone too far.” novelbin

Wyatt knew that if he didn’t give a reasonable explanation for this matter, things wouldn’t end smoothly. More importantly, others inside were starting to notice the commotion outside.

“I’m sorry,” he muttered begrudgingly before storming off in embarrassment.

Paul watched his retreating figure and called out casually, “Next time, you can record us. openly. There’s no need to sneak around.‘

Wyatt stumbled slightly when he heard this, making his hurried escape look even more pathetic.

Christine held Miranda’s hand and asked gently, “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. I even slapped him earlier.”

“Good for you!”

“Luckily, Dr. Jefferson came at the right time.”

Christine turned to Paul. “Paul, thank you for protecting Miranda tonight.”

He returned a smile. “It was the right thing to do”

Besides, it was clear that Wyatt’s real target was him.

After this incident, the three of them didn’t have any more interest in staying. They left the banquet earlier, even before the event ended.

As he returned to his room, Paul noticed that it had been cleaned. There was a faint fragrance lingering in the air. He assumed it was the cleaning agent and didn’t think much of it.

Paul changed into slippers and went straight to the bathroom to shower.

After washing up, he came out in a bathrobe and turned on the air conditioning. The nights were still quite cold during this season. He felt the chill and raised the temperature of the air conditioning. Soon, the room became comfortably warm.

He opened his laptop, took out some documents from his bag, and started working. Time passed unnoticed as he worked. Suddenly, Paul felt thirsty and grabbed two bottles of cold water from the fridge.

After taking a few sips, he continued immersing himself in data. The room was filled with nothing but the sound of the clicking keys on his keyboard.

Later, Paul reached for some water again and realized both bottles were empty. Yet, his thirst remained unquenched. Sweat began to bead on his back.

He got up, turned off the air conditioning, and opened the window for some fresh air before continuing his work. As he was too focused on his task, Paul didn’t realize the scent in the room was growing stronger.

Before long, he felt an unusual heat spreading throughout his body. Feeling uncomfortable, he loosened his bathrobe and left his bare chest exposed, hoping for some relief. However, the heat inside him only burned hotter instead of cooling down.

When Paul’s breathing turned labored, he finally realized something was wrong!