Chapter 304

Verena bent slightly as lsaac put the shawl on her shoulders. She pulled it tighter as if to ward off the chill riding on the night wind.

Miranda watched with a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Oh, come now. I was only jesting.I wasn't truly upset. It's just astonishing-who would have guessed you're the Sampson family's daughter? That's quite the twist of fate, like turning a page and finding a different story written there."

Verena glanced toward the silent Luis before replying,"Ah,yes,Miranda.Let me introduce you properly. This is my elder brother, Luis Sampson."

Turning to Luis, she added warmly, "Luis, this is Miranda Brown-the CEO of AuroraNexus in Clokron,and my dear friend since college. She's stood by me through thick and thin."

Miranda lifted her eyes to Luis, a playful arch in her gaze, and extended her hand. "Mr. Sampson, it has been a long while."

Her tone carried a hidden undercurrent, as though some unspoken tale lingered between her words. Luis met her eyes, and for a fleeting moment,emotions stirred like ripples across still water. Then,as quickly as they came,they vanished;leaving only calm.

His voice was steady as he clasped her hand politely."Miss Brown, your achievements are commendable.Managing AuroraNexus with such success is no small feat. And thank you for watching over my sister all these years."

Miranda's smile deepened, her tone light. "Mr.Sampson, you're too generous with your praise. I've always considered Verena as family, so it's only natural I care for her. But if you truly wish to thank me,perhaps you could treat me to a meal sometime?"

Just before she released his hand, her fingertip brushed lightly against his palm-subtle as a feather,yet carrying an unmistakable hint of flirtation.

Luis' frame stiffened almost imperceptibly. His brows lifted in brief surprise, and then his composure returned like a mask slipped back into place.He smiled, steering the moment elsewhere. "The party will be starting soon. Verena, why don't you take your friend inside?"

Verena caught the faint tension between them.Though curiosity tugged at her, she chose to let it rest for now. She simply nodded and smiled at Miranda. "It's too breezy here at the door. Let's head in."

Inside the hall, Miranda accepted a glass of red wine from Verena, though her eyes still lingered on the entrance, savoring the earlier exchange. "I truly didn't expect him to be your brother."

Following her friend's gaze, Verena noticed Luis speaking with Isaac at the doorway.

She turned back to Miranda, frowning slightly."Miranda, what exactly is going on between you and my brother? From the moment you two met,something felt... unusual. Do you know each other well?"

"Know each other well?" Miranda mused, and then leaned close to Verena's ear with a mischievous smile."Tell me-does a one-night stand count as familiar?"

Verena froze in shock, demanding,"When? What on earth happened between you two?"

Miranda straightened, shrugging with feigned nonchalance. "It's a long tale. Years ago, I was drunk and crossed paths with him. Sparks flew,we're both adults-what followed was inevitable."

Verena struggled to reconcile the image of her composed brother with the phrase "one-night stand." Glancing at Luis in the distance, she shook her head."Miranda, this... this is absurd. My brother has always been the picture of restraint. How could he possibly -"

Miranda's lips curved into a sly smile, her eyes glinting with meaning. "You're mistaken. His calm is only a mask. In private, he's a very different man."

She swirled the wine in her glass, her gaze slipping through the rim as though peering into memory, her eyes darting toward Luis again and again, lost briefly in recollection.

Verena, hesitant, asked, "So... are you actually interested in him?"

Miranda's smile widened into playful boldness. "I'm interested in his looks. And, to be frank, his performance and his appearance left me quite satisfied."

She delivered those words with deliberate ambiguity,her eyes glimmering with mischief, as if enjoying Verena's discomfort.

Verena found herself speechless, caught off guard by her friend's candor.

After a pause, she sipped her juice and asked, "So...are you hooked on himn?" Miranda tilted her chin thoughtfully, a dreamy half-smile on her lips. "Hooked on? Hard to say. But the aftereffects? Oh, they linger."

Seeing her friend's frivolous air, Verena sighed."Miranda, could you be serious for once? You leave me at a loss for words."

Still grinning, Miranda nudged her shoulder playfully."Luck is on my side now. He's your brother, after all.With this connection, how could I not succeed?Verena,why not lend me a hand?"

Pressed by Miranda's persistence, Verena finally relented. "Alright,alright. I'll bring him over. After that,it's up to you."

Miranda's eyes sparkled with triumph as she patted her chest in assurance. "Rest easy. Everything is under control."

Verena sighed softly, scanning the hall for Luis.

By now, the guests had filled the room, the party humming with lively chatter.

Luis stood not far away, conversing with several business magnates.

His tall stature and dignified bearing made him stand out like a lighthouse amid the crowd. Spotting him, Verena wove her way over.

After waiting for her moment, she, gently tapped his arm and whispered, "Luis, may I speak with you for a moment? There's something I need to say."

Luis turned, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes.

He excused himself politely, saying, "Gentlemen,if you'll allow me,I must attend to my sister."

He and Verena stepped into a quieter corner."Verena,what is it? Has something happened?"

She bit her lip, hesitating, and then decided to stick to Miranda's plan. "Luis, Miranda... she wvants to speak with you."

His expression stilled for a beat. As though sensing the weight of someone's gaze,he lifted his eyes.

There sat Miranda, chin resting on one hand, her wine glass raised in salute, her smile radiant.

Luis looked away, his face smooth and unreadable."Miss Brown? And what matter does she wish to discuss?"

Verena cleared her throat, stumbling slightly. "She mentioned... she mentioned a possible business collaboration she'd like to explore with you." A spark of skepticism flitted through Luis' eyes,making Verena uneasy under his gaze.

Just when she thought he might see through her,Luis shifted his eyes aside and gave a small nod. "If it concerns business, I'll listen."

Verena exhaled quietly in relief, pointing toward Miranda. "She's waiting over there. Go on, Luis.I won't intrude on your conversation."