When fate plays its hand

Miranda had been living in the lab for almost two weeks.

Originally, the intensive focus period could have ended two days earlier. However, Madison seemed to be exceptionally motivated and decided to put in extra effort for some reason. She insisted on finalizing the second phase of the experiment plans as well.

Joli didn’t mind–whether it was a focus period or not made no difference to him. novelbin

As for Sebastian, he followed Madison’s lead. Miranda had no objections either. So, the group. stayed in the lab for two extra days and completed the experimental plans.

Madison was determined to push herself to the limit. At that moment, she was terrifyingly driven.

However, on the final day of the focus period, Madison said cheekily, “Miranda, I want to apply for annual leave!”

It turned out all her effort earlier was just in preparation for her plans to rest and relax afterward.

“Approved,” Miranda replied.

That afternoon, Sebastian approached Miranda.

“You want to take your annual leave too?” she asked.

Sebastian nodded. “Yeah.”

Miranda was puzzled. The both of them at the same time? What was going on?

She decided to give the whole team two days off, considering that everyone had worked hard over the past two weeks. After all, balancing work and rest was essential for the long haul.

“Especially you, Joli,” she said. “No working overtime! If I catch you, there will be a fine!”

Joli was taken aback. A boss forcing her subordinates to take leave?

He scratched his head awkwardly. “Then… I’ll go back home for a bit. I usually help with harvesting the corn around this time every year.

The threats to the Clifford family had been completely eliminated after the Sneider family was imprisoned. The criminal gangs around Swampert Village and the town were also wiped out by the police.

Ollie and Wanda had moved back to the village.

The cherry orchard had been handed over to a contracting company. Since the contract was signed and the money received, there was no question of taking the land back.

However, the Cliffords still had a few plots of land in the village. Ollie had been forced to

abandon the crops in the fields when they moved away, breaking his heart.

Fortunately, the Snelder family was gone. The village’s environment had greatly Improved after cracking down on criminal gangs and undergoing ideological restructuring. Ollie decided to return and manage those plots of land once more,

However, the couple didn’t move back permanently. They just spent a few days each month traveling from town to the village to work in the fields.

As Ollie put it, they didn’t have anything else to do, so they might as well farm the land and be

self–sufficient.

Honestly, he had no intention of moving back permanently.

Wanda had been receiving treatment at a major hospital. Her health was visibly improving with the help of a specialist recommended by Paul.

Julie had also adjusted to her new school and was excelling academically. Recently, she was nominated to participate in the Math Olympiad and achieved excellent results.

She would soon be going to Belton for a winter training camp. If Julie won a gold medal, she would have the opportunity for direct admission to Bedford College or Queenstone College.

As for Ollie himself, he had gained a reputation in several neighborhoods thanks to his delicious and affordable homemade desserts. Later, he added milk pudding to the menu.

Julie helped him set up a WhatsApp business chat group as his customer base

grew.

Those who wanted to order milk pudding or homemade desserts could now preorder them. Larger orders could even be delivered to their doorstep.

Although it was a small business, the costs were low as supplies were cheap and desserts were made in–house. They could make a net profit of several thousand dollars at the end of the month.

Ollie could never have imagined such an income in the past.

Wanda kept herself busy, though she still couldn’t work outside due to her poor health. She took care of the household chores, cleaned, and prepared meals for her husband. Sometimes, she even helped out in making the desserts.

Joli had bought her a smartphone before returning to campus. It was Wanda’s first time using such an advanced device. She struggled to learn it at first, but gradually, she became proficient after learning diligently.

When Julie saw that her mother had mastered using a smartphone, she handed over the management of the “Cliffords Desserts” WhatsApp chat group to her.