When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0774

“Hans, what’s wrong?” Willow’s voice was soft and gentle.

Hansel snapped out of his thoughts. He pushed aside the frustration and questions bubbling inside him. He couldn’t let his guard down now. After pretending for so long, he had no choice but to keep up the act..

If his true intentions were exposed, Miranda would avoid him like the plague again. He wouldn’t even be able to see her in peace, let alone have a normal conversation.

Willow could tell that after Miranda responded, he had lost half of his focus.

Miranda turned to Madison and Sebastian. “It’s getting late. Let’s go home.”

“Yeah.” Madison quickly nodded. “It’s almost 9:00 pm, let’s go. It’s freezing out here…” She rubbed her hands together and exhaled into the chilly night.

She couldn’t help but be impressed by Hansel. In the middle of winter, with temperatures well below freezing, he still drove a sports car and leaned on his car coolly.

She wondered why he didn’t just wait inside. Why posed by the car and tried to look cool? Didn’t he feel cold? She just couldn’t figure out the minds of these wealthy CEOS.

“We’re leaving now. Willow, enjoy your date with your boyfriend. Bye.”

Her boyfriend?

Madison’s comment struck a nerve, and Hansel was left speechless.

After watching Miranda get into the cab and disappear down the road, he turned and immediately withdrew his arm from around Willow’s waist.

Willow saw everything. Though the bitterness inside her was nearly unbearable, she kept her smile intact. It was part of the deal.

From the beginning, their arrangement was clear he paid her, and she played her part. She couldn’t afford to show even a hint of jealousy in front of Hansel. She had to deceive him just as he was deceiving Miranda. It was all so ironic and absurd.

Once Miranda left, Hansel seemed to be done with his part. He was about to get in his car when Willow suddenly spoke.

“I got all dolled up tonight, came out to the campus gate to play along with you, and now you’re just going to leave without even saying thank you?” she said with a hint of teasing. Her voice carried a playful charm that was almost endearing.

“Thank you,” Hansel muttered. Without missing a beat, he opened the car door.

Willow let out a helpless, slightly awkward laugh. “Is a simple thank you all I get? Can’t you

1/2

Chapter 0774

at least treat me to a meal? Fine, I admit it–I’m starving, and I’ve been all alone in the dorm since my roommates went home. Want to join me for a late–night snack? My treat”

Hansel raised an eyebrow. “No need,”

Willow’s eyes lowered in disappointment, but she quickly gathered herself and put on a smile. “Alright, then. Be careful on your way back. I’ll”

Hansel cut in. “I mean, you don’t have to pay.”

Willow’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Get in the car,” he said.

She flashed a triumphant smile but quickly replaced it with a sweet, innocent expression.

The place Willow chose was a street food stall in a busy market.

It was popular among influencers and had a good reputation, the kind of casual spot with a loyal following. As a result, the place was filled with young people.

When Hansel walked in, his appearance and outfit stood out starkly against the laid–back atmosphere and drew curious glances from other customers. He felt a bit uncomfortable but didn’t show it.

Willow handed him a small, wiped–down stool and gestured for him to sit.

Hansel glanced at it but reluctantly sat down.

“What do you want to eat?” she asked. “This place is famous for its grilled skewers, especially the spicy sausages and seasoned pork-”

Hansel interrupted, “You pick.”