When fate plays its hand

“Alright!” Madison said to Sebastian. Owned by NôvelDrama.Org.

The two of them immediately took off, sprinting toward the nearest section, which was Area A. Along the way, they ran into Hank and his group.

Noticing their urgency, Hank sensed something was up. With a mix of old grudges and new spite, he decided to block their path. “Why are you two in such a rush, huh? Where are you headed? Mind telling

me?”

The sight of Hank’s smirking face instantly annoyed Madison. Normally, she would’ve had a snappy comeback ready, but right now, all she could think about was Miranda’s safety, so she didn’t have time to

argue.

Still, she recalled Hank’s knack for sweet–talking people. He had spent the entire bus ride chatting with the supervising professor. He might even have their contact info.

“Hank, do you know the supervising professor’s phone numbers? Or their WhatsApp? We need to reach him urgently.”

Hank raised an eyebrow as his eyes glinted with mischief. It seemed like something urgent indeed. “Well, look at that. I might just have it!”

Madison’s face lit up. “Could you send it to me?”

“Sure, let me check… Hank pulled out his phone, appearing to scroll through his contacts.

Madison was starting to think he might actually be helpful for once, but after what seemed like an endless wait, Hank still hadn’t “found” the number.

“Oh, sorry,” he drawled while smirking. “Looks like I don’t have it after all.” There was a mocking gleam in his eyes

“You’re doing this on purpose! If you don’t have it, just say so! What’s the point in messing with us?”

Hank shrugged. “It’s kinda funny. Don’t you think?”

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re unbelievably annoying, especially with that smug face?” Madison

shot back.

Hank’s smirk hardened. “Say that again, I dare you!”

“Oh, I’ll say it! You’re an arrogant jerk! You’re petty and pathetic!”

Hank’s smile disappeared. “You want the truth? Not only do I have the professor’s contact, but I also know where he is right now. But I’m not telling you. What are you gonna do about it?”

Sebastian’s voice dropped. “Miranda is missing. The only way to get help is by contacting the professor and having the garden staff assist with a search. I’m telling you this because it’s urgent and involves someone’s safety.

“If you refuse, knowing what could happen, then this is beyond a petty rivalry–you’re deliberately endangering someone’s life.”

S BONUS

Hank scoffed. “Is that a threat? Stop trying to scare mel Miranda’s a grown woman, What’s the worst that could happen?”

“Enough talk. Let’s go already.” Tina muttered impatiently, clearly tired of Hank’s antics.

Despite being a guy, Hank could run his mouth more than anyone else. And as for Miranda being missing? She couldn’t care less. It couldn’t be said she wouldn’t give a crap even if she were dead.

Willow, however, did speak up. “With a storm about to hit, if she’s lost in the garden, that could be really dangerous.”

Hope surged through Madison as she looked at Willow pleadingly. “Do you know where the professor is or have his contact info? Please, we really need it!”

Willow hesitated. “Sorry, I just came back from Area C and didn’t see him anywhere. I don’t have his contact information either. I’m really sorry–I wish I could help.”

Meanwhile, Theodore seemed genuinely concerned. “What do you mean she’s missing? When did she disappear? Where was she last seen? I’ll go straight to the garden staff and report this!”