When fate plays its hand

Miranda opened the passenger door and slid into the seat, fastening her seatbelt.

The factory was about six miles away in an industrial park.

Sawyer said, “That area is dedicated to high–tech industries, which is why many companies set up their tech collaboration projects there.

“The thermosensitive materials you’re interested in were developed through a partnership between my company and Cenova Technologies. We’ve already released three generations of products…”

Miranda listened attentively, occasionally interjecting with technical questions. He could answer some, but he couldn’t provide an immediate response when it came to specific

parameters.

About 20 minutes later, they arrived at their destination. Since Sawyer had given advance notice to the factory, a staff member was already waiting at the gate.

Miranda was given a quick tour of the laboratory and the factory. The R&D and production areas were split into separate sections.

The first and second–generation products she needed were available, but the third generation was still in testing and hadn’t yet gone into full production. They would need to synthesize it in the lab.

“How long will it take?” she asked Sawyer, who turned to the R&D staff member beside him.

“About eight hours. You can pick up the finished product tomorrow morning.”

Miranda nodded. “Alright. The cost will be the same as usual. Once everything is finalized, I’ll pay in full.” novelbin

Sawyer quickly replied, “What cost? Miranda, we don’t need to be so formal.”

“There’s an old saying, ‘Even friends should keep things clear when it comes to money.‘ Besides, we’re just friends. I’m already’grateful for your help, so there’s no reason for you to cover the expenses. The lab has its own accounting system, and every expense and payment is audited annually.”

It wasn’t about the amount–it was about financial transparency and accuracy.

Sawyer finally realized how unprofessional he had been. “Alright, then I’ll-”

“I’d like to see the first and second–generation products,” Miranda said. “Could you arrange for a senior technician to take me to the production area, Mr. Jensen?”

“Sure. I’ll arrange someone over.”

“Thanks,” she replied.

The senior technician arrived quickly, and Sawyer planned to join them in the production area but was stopped by the manager, who had rushed over.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Jensen. I was on a business trip in Falconridge and rushed back as soon as I got your call. I should’ve been at the door to greet you, and I’m so sorry…”

Sawyer had come personally to inspect the work, and the manager wouldn’t miss the chance to make a good impression. In the end, he watched as Miranda chatted with the senior technician and walked away.

However, the manager in front of him, who wouldn’t stop talking, was someone his father valued, so Sawyer had no choice but to keep his cool and handle the situation patiently.

After receiving the first and second–generation products, Miranda used their lab to begin measuring the material parameters,

The senior technician, who had experience in parameter testing, was a great help. He offered several valuable suggestions to improve her measurement plan.

Dinner was in the factory cafeteria with the staff. The food was surprisingly good.

As night fell, the senior technician finished his shift and left.

Miranda stayed in the lab until 9:30 pm. She spent another half hour entering the data and left the factory after double–checking to ensure everything was correct.

By the time she caught a cab and arrived at the hotel, it was already 10:30 pm. After showering, she lay on the bed and pulled out her e–reader to read some research papers.

After a couple of minutes, she suddenly stopped.

Wait… She realized she had forgotten something