When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0877

Betty was stunned for a full three seconds. It wasn’t until Paul repeated the question that she snapped back to her senses and replied, “Oh, Miranda… She took leave yesterday.” “How long? Did she say what it was for?”

“She just said she had something to do, but she didn’t specify what it was. I wondered what it could be. If she isn’t in the lab, she is busy with her thesis.

“She has never fallen behind on her coursework, and she had taken leave a few times before, so I didn’t ask much this time… Did something happen?” Betty probed curiously. Paul hesitated for a moment before asking, “Well, are there any other unusual circumstances with the students? For example, Joli?”

“Do you mean the final–year student, Joli Clifford?”

“Yes.”

“I’m not his counselor, so I’m not familiar with his situation. But I can help inquire if you

need it.”

“Okay, sorry for the trouble.”

“It’s no trouble at all.”

Five minutes later, Betty called Paul back, “Dr. Jefferson, something did seem to be off with Joli.”

“What’s the matter?”

“He hasn’t returned to campus since the semester began. His counselor tried to contact him but couldn’t reach him. Oh, and I forgot to mention something earlier…”

“What is it?” This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

“Madison and Sebastian also took leave the day Miranda did.”

“Can you find out Joli’s home address?”

“According to his counselor, the information he provided is incomplete. All they know is that he’s from Yalemont.”

Yalemont…

Then he wasn’t mistaken!

Paul ended the call and dialed the number for the head of the dean’s office, Terrence Bloom.

+25 B00S

He had already gone to bed at that time. Terrence was just as startled as Betty when he received the call from Paul. “You’re saying you want to check Joli’s address on the records?

“Yes.”

“But… It’s so late now. The dean’s office is closed. Maybe tomorrow…”

“Tomorrow will be too late. It has to be now.‘

“Well…” Terrence sounded hesitant on the other end.

Paul said calmly, “Just arrange for someone. Tell the truth if the chancellor questions you. I’ll explain to him later.‘

“Alright, I’ll arrange for someone to go now. I’ll let you know as soon as we have the information.”

“Thank you.

11

Now that he had done everything he could, all that was left was to wait. Paul walked to the balcony. The cold wind on his face kept him alert. After two minutes, he returned to the living room, picked up his phone, and called another number.

“Hello?”

“Mr. Cooper, it’s me.”

On the other end, Sam was silent for five seconds before responding, “Paul Jefferson?”

“Oh, it seems like you didn’t save my number.

Sam was speechless. Was that the point he was trying to make? He asked, “Dr. Jefferson, what brings you to contact me so late at night?”

“It’s about Miranda.”

Sam sat up straight. “Go on.”

Paul shared all the information he had gathered so far. “So, it seems that you’re in the dark as well, right?”

Sam replied, “She didn’t mention anything to me.‘

Paul continued, “I know you business people have your own channels and connections. If you’re willing, we can work together.”

“Alright, I’ll come over right away. Also, send me Joli’s details. I don’t need it to be too detailed. I just need his photo and ID.”

Clearly, Sam intended to use his connections to investigate,

Paul agreed readily. Sam arrived at his place half an hour later. Paul opened the door and invited him in.

Sam wasn’t shy. He walked in and asked, “Do you have any water?”

Paul poured him a glass and gestured at the floor. “You can either change into slippers or put on shoe covers.‘

“1

Sam was at a loss for words. Eventually, he chose to put on the shoe covers.

“Here’s your water,” Paul said.

“Thank you.”

Then, the two sat in silence.

About 20 minutes later, Sam received a call. “Alright, go ahead…”