Independence
Independence 79

Chapter 0079

Without waiting for a reply, Miranda grabbed a clean plate from the table. She used a clean fork to place a couple of small meatballs onto it and pushed the plate toward Paul. “Try it.”

Paul hesitated briefly before putting one into his mouth, chewing slowly.

Miranda blinked. “How is it?”

Seeing her staring at him expectantly, Paul nodded. “It’s not bad.”

Miranda broke into a smile. “Right? There’s no way I would recommend something that doesn’t taste good.”

Paul laughed along with her.

“Hey Sam, your birthday is coming up. How are you planning to celebrate it this year? Perhaps a car race or a drag show? Or, we could do something big this year and have a huge room full of strippers,” Calvin said.

“I like that idea,” Zach chimed in.

Both of them gave Sam inquisitive looks.

When it came to “celebrating“, among the three of them, Sam was usually the most.

creative.

Despite always wearing a suit and tie, his true personality was a far cry from his appearance. In truth, he was even crazier than anyone else.

“This year… Well, I’ll just throw a simple gathering.”

Calvin and Zach gaped at him.

“What’s the matter? What’s the problem with that?” Sam asked.

“No, but… this isn’t like you, Sam.” Calvin looked him up and down. “Are you on drugs?

Zach also arched an eyebrow. “Did I hear you wrong? Did you just say gathering? Who did you get that idea from, my grandfather?”

Who was still having party gatherings in this day and age?

“Or perhaps you mean a risqué party?” Calvin said.

Zach instantly 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 invite in the next few days,” Sam said.

With that, he got up and left.

Calvin and Zach exchanged glances before looking out the window in unison.

Were they in some kind of alternate universe?

#25 ROHUS

Miranda was surprised to receive a call from Sam. When she heard that he was calling to invite her to his birthday party, she was even more shocked.

“You’re inviting me?”

“Yes.”

Miranda frowned. Since it was Sam’s birthday party, Hansel would most likely be there. She didn’t really want to bump into him.

“I didn’t invite any outsiders. It’ll just be a small gathering between friends. Calvin will be there too. Won’t you come?” Sam asked when he sensed her hesitation.

He raised an eyebrow and continued, “Or are you scared of something?”

Miranda clutched her phone tightly but said nothing.

“You and Hans have already broken up, and his relationship with his new girlfriend. seems to be going well. Is the reason you don’t want to come because you still haven’t gotten over him?”

Miranda frowned slightly. “Of course not. We’ve already talked things out, and things. are truly over between us.

Sam smiled. “In that case, there’s nothing you need to avoid. I’ll send you the

address. Remember to come.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he didn’t even wait for Miranda to reply before he hung up.

+25 BONUSE

On the day of the party, the manor was bubbling with excitement. The place had. been decorated spectacularly.

Hansel and Ingrid arrived late.

Hansel took off his coat, which Ingrid then helped pass to one of the staff. She held his arm and stepped through the gates together with him.

Goldtown Road was prime property; as soon as it went on sale, all the land had gotten snapped up. Sam only managed to get this ten thousand–square foot private manor because his family had reserved it for him.

He had spent a fortune hiring the best professionals to design the layout and furnishings of the manor. He even had an interior designer evaluate every inch of the home.

After passing through man–made hills in the backyard, they finally arrived at the guest reception area.

As soon as he entered the manor, Hansel greeted Sam, “Happy birthday. This is for you.”

He tossed a key at the latter. It was a key to a yacht that Sam had mentioned once. Hansel bought it for him since he knew it suited his tastes.

“Thanks,” Sam replied.

Hansel smiled. Just as he opened his mouth to say something, he caught sight of a familiar silhouette.