When fate plays its hand (Miranda)

Chapter 0673

Next to Willow was Hank, who was grinning like a puppy and holding a thermos. Meanwhile, Theodore stood behind him, weighed down with bags of all sizes

Miranda then quickly looked away as she and Willow weren’t exactly close.

“Hey, Miranda!” Madison waved from a distance, jogging over with a large, bulging backpack that looked heavy. She had packed sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, water, and, of course, plenty of snacks.

“I brought tons of stuff! We’ll share later, okay?” Madison said cheerfully.

“Sure,” Miranda replied.

“Wait, where’s Sebastian? He’s not here yet?” Madison asked, slightly worried after sprinting over and arriving five minutes early.

Sebastian, who had arrived earlier, said dryly from right behind her. “What makes you so confident I’d show up later than you?”

Madison made a face. “So what if you beat me by two minutes? I just overslept a bit. But… why are your bags so small?”

Sebastian and Miranda both had modest–sized backpacks, and neither seemed heavy.

so I only brought the essentials, Miranda explained while Sebastian nodded in

speechless. She realized she was the only one hauling around a

them up to board the bus. Their destination was a botanical garden about 60

Madison and Miranda sat together, while Sebastian took the row behind them. Soon after they started, they hit a stretch of winding mountain

around them, exchanging gossip and stories. Meanwhile, Miranda, with nothing else to do, rested her chin on her

the layered mountain peaks, still wrapped in early winter fog that drifted like a delicate veil around the slopes. Though the sun hadn’t fully risen, its glow

remained on the mountains until, by 11:00 am, the bus arrived at the

Miranda’s gaz Gardens.

Each section was further divided

the groups headed to check in and drop off their belongings. They had two days and one night to complete the assignment, with the final deadline set for

1/2

collect samples of 10 specific plant specimens, accounting for 80% of the final grade. Rare plant specimens, if found, would earn an additional 20 points

“required” and “optional lasks. Completing the main task would secure a solid

Madison, and Sebastian set

head to first?

their assigned list of 10 plants. “Half of them are