Chapter 0201

Sandy looked puzzled. "That was such a humblebrag! Truly a humblebrag!"

Silas hadn't expected dinner to include such a surprise. "So, you're the student Dr. Young always talks about—the one she 'always regretted' losing! I can't believe it. So, who's your graduate advisor this year?"

Miranda replied, "Dr. Young."

Silas clapped his hands. "The old lady must be over the moon!"

Meanwhile, Elizabeth stood, her initial smugness quickly turning to awkwardness and embarrassment. Unsure whether to sit or stand, she remained awkwardly poised.

Thankfully, Bryan intervened. "Lizzy, sit down. Let me get you something to eat. The vegetables are on my side, so it's easier for me."

"Thanks," Elizabeth finally sat.

Bryan then turned to Miranda apologetically. "Sorry about that, Miranda. Lizzy's like that—she nitpicks, but means no harm. You'll see once you get to know her."

Miranda raised an eyebrow slightly. Hopefully, that was true.

Bryan continued, "I officially apologize on her behalf. Please don't take it to heart."

"Who asked you to apologize for me? Stop being so presumptuous!" Elizabeth snapped, kicking him hard under the table.

Bryan almost yelped but restrained himself, his face flushing crimson. Sandy glanced at him sympathetically.

Miranda said calmly, "I won't take it to heart."

Bryan nodded. "That's good. By the way, why did you forgo guaranteed admission and take the college entrance exam? You ended up at Bedford College anyway. If the result was the same, why not choose the easier path?"

Miranda replied, "Maybe...after studying for three years in high school, I wanted to test my exam skills."

"That's it?"

"Do I need another reason?"

Bryan paused, realizing, "I see. She just took the exam for fun."

After the misunderstanding cleared, the atmosphere grew harmonious. Everyone chatted and laughed while eating. Silas even noticed a rare smile on Paul's lips, realizing Paul hadn't intervened because he knew Miranda could handle the situation herself.

Chapter 0201

Elizabeth, having lost her appetite, watched everyone interact with Miranda, her lips tightened.

Just as she was about to speak, Sandy discreetly patted her hand. "Alright, let's not dwell on anything unpleasant. Just enjoy Bryan's thoughtful gesture…"

Noticing the tension, Bryan quickly placed two pieces of fish on Elizabeth's plate. "This is really good, and fish doesn't make you gain weight. Eat a little; I've made sure there's no bone."

After dinner, it was dark. Paul glanced at his watch. "It's getting late. We all work tomorrow, so let's go home."

Bryan and Elizabeth were heading the same way and, having drunk beer, couldn't drive.

Bryan said, "I've called a car; it'll be here soon. Lizzy and I are on the same route, so I'll drop her off. Sandy, what about you—"

Sandy waved her hand. "Don't worry about me. My husband's picking me up."

Silas added, "I live nearby. It's a ten-minute walk."

Paul nodded. "Alright, then. Text when you get home."

"Don't worry, old rules apply; we all check in," Silas said, smiling.

Once everyone was settled, the valet brought Paul's car from underground parking—a discreet black Volkswagen. Paul took the keys and turned to Miranda, casually saying, "Hop in."

Living nearby, Paul often gave Miranda rides. Accustomed to this, she didn't hesitate, opening the passenger door.

Soon, the car merged onto the main road.

The remaining group, however, stood in stunned silence, staring as if they'd seen a ghost.