Chapter 79

Without waiting for a reply, Miranda grabbed a clean plate and fork from the table. She placed a couple of meatballs on the plate and pushed it toward Paul. "Try it."

Paul hesitated briefly before eating a meatball, chewing slowly.

Miranda blinked. "How is it?"

Seeing her expectant gaze, Paul nodded. "It's not bad."

Miranda smiled. "Right? I wouldn't recommend anything I didn't like."

Paul laughed.

"Hey Sam, your birthday's coming up. How are you planning to celebrate? Car race? Drag show? Or maybe this year we go big—a room full of strippers?" Calvin said.

"I like that idea," Zach chimed in.

Both looked at Sam inquisitively. Among the three of them, Sam was usually the most creative when it came to celebrating. Despite always wearing a suit and tie, his true personality was far removed from his appearance; he was even crazier than the others.

"This year… I'll just throw a simple gathering."

Calvin and Zach gaped at him.

"What's the matter?" Sam asked. "What's wrong with that?"

"No, but… this isn't like you, Sam," Calvin said, looking him up and down. "Are you on drugs?"

Zach raised an eyebrow. "Did I hear you right? A gathering? Did you get that idea from my grandfather?"

Who still had party gatherings these days?

"Or perhaps a risqué party?" Calvin suggested.

Zach sat up straight, his eyes sparkling.

"What are you thinking? I meant a normal party. It'll be at my private manor on Goldtown Street. You'll receive an invitation in the next few days," Sam said.

He got up and left. Calvin and Zach exchanged glances, then looked out the window simultaneously. Were they in an alternate universe?

25 ROHUS

Miranda was surprised to receive a call from Sam, and even more shocked when he invited her to his birthday party.

"You're inviting me?"

"Yes."

Miranda frowned. Hansel would likely be there. She didn't want to see him.

Sensing her hesitation, Sam asked, "I didn't invite any outsiders. It'll just be a small gathering of friends. Calvin will be there too. Won't you come?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Or are you scared of something?"

Miranda clutched her phone but remained silent.

"You and Hans broke up, and he seems to be doing well with his new girlfriend. Are you still hung up on him?"

Miranda frowned slightly. "Of course not. We've talked things out, and it's truly over."

Sam smiled. "In that case, there's nothing to avoid. I'll send you the address. Remember to come."

He hung up without waiting for a reply.

+25 BONUSE

On the day of the party, the manor buzzed with excitement. It had been spectacularly decorated.

Hansel and Ingrid arrived late. Hansel removed his coat, which Ingrid gave to a staff member. Arm in arm, they entered.

Goldtown Road was prime real estate; all the land was snapped up as soon as it went on sale. Sam only secured this ten-thousand-square-foot private manor because his family had reserved it for him. He'd spent a fortune hiring the best professionals to design and furnish it, even employing an interior designer to scrutinize every detail.

After passing through the man-made hills in the backyard, they reached the guest reception area.

Entering the manor, Hansel greeted Sam. "Happy birthday. This is for you."

He tossed Sam a key—to a yacht Sam had mentioned. Hansel knew Sam would appreciate the gift.

"Thanks," Sam replied.

Hansel smiled. As he began to speak, he saw a familiar silhouette.