Independence

Chapter 0111

Ingrid had been making advances toward Hansel for a while, but he remained uninterested. She was baffled by what could be holding him. back.

Did he truly believe that keeping his distance would somehow prove his commitment to Miranda? How absurd!

Hansel switched off the light in his room, ready to catch some sleep. But every time he closed his eyes, he was plagued by the vision of Miranda and Sam, enjoying themselves on the beach with drinks and laughter while the wind danced around them.

The thoughts kept him up all night, leaving him restless.

He showed up at the restaurant for breakfast the next morning, looking exhausted with dark circles under his eyes. Ingrid clung to his arm, making sure each of her actions was measured and restrained.

Just then, Hansel caught sight of Sam emerging from another elevator across the room. The atmosphere between them crackled with tension. as they stared each other down.

Coincidentally, Miranda and Winter entered from a different entrance. Sam immediately approached them with a smile and greeted them warmly, “Good morning, beauties! How was your night?”

Hansel noticed the unmistakable hint of cunning in Sam’s voice.

Winter nodded in response. “I slept alright.”

“There were a few too many bugs, but everything else was fine,” Miranda replied.

“How about we get some breakfast together?” Sam suggested.

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“Sounds good,” Winter said.

The trio walked off, leaving Hansel behind without a second glance.

Hansel’s face fell. He considered catching up to them, but Sam

suddenly said, “Oh, I just realized I left something behind. You two go on. I’ll catch up in a minute.”

Winter waved him off without a second thought. “Okay, go ahead.”

But instead of going back for anything, Sam h Hansel.

“What do you want?” Hansel asked, frowning.

ed straight toward

“Come with me. We need to talk,” Sam said, heading straight for the emergency stairwell.

Hansel was annoyed by his abruptness but figured it must have something to do with Miranda. After a brief hesitation, he followed.

Winter and Miranda arrived at the restaurant. Winter noticed that Miranda seemed to be acting differently around Sam today.

With a playful poke to her side, Winter said, “I saw what went down. earlier. You usually don’t give anyone but Hansel the time of day. What’s the deal? Are you finally thinking about giving love another chance?”

“Don’t be silly. He did me a favor, and I’m grateful. That’s all. Please stop saying things like that,” Miranda stated firmly.

Realizing Miranda was serious, Winter shrugged. “Fine, I can see you’ve made up your mind.”

Miranda gave a small laugh. She forked a piece of baked potato with salad dressing and popped it into Winter’s mouth. “Just eat up.”

In the stairwell, Sam said, I’ve got the company’s legal team preparing to take the hotel to court over yesterday’s incident. If everything goes smoothly, we should have it settled within

months.”

Hansel’s anger flared up. “What’s your point? Did you bring me here just to brag about your handling of it? What’s your problem?”

Sam was used to Hansel’s habit of reacting aggressively before getting the full story. He hinted, “Don’t you think everything that happened yesterday seems a little too convenient?”

Hansel narrowed his eyes. “What are you getting at?”

“You know exactly what I mean.”

Hansel frowned. “I’ve gone through the security footage and the videos. The timing of the shark’s appearance is definitely suspicious, but there’s no evidence to suggest it was planned. I get what you’re hinting at, Sam, but not everyone is as deceitful and scheming as you.”