Independence

Zach said, “That time at the hotel, remember how you helped me out. I’m the kind of person who pays. back favors. Even though you and Hansel broke up, a favor is a favor. I have to return it.”

He had been out smoking two cigarettes for about 10 to 20 minutes, and yet Miranda hadn’t thought of calling him directly? Calvin had clearly mentioned that he had the right connections, and good ones at that!

What was Miranda missing? Was she looking down on him?

Zach couldn’t help but scoff. “You’re looking for a reliable editor, right? I’ll send you one in a while.”

Miranda wasn’t someone to turn down a sincere offer, nor was she about to play coy. When the resource was served on a silver platter, only a fool would say no.

“Thank you,” she said.

“Just repaying the favor.”

After hanging up, Zach quickly pulled up the editor’s contact on WhatsApp, ready to send it over to Miranda. But then he realized–Miranda had never even replied to him on WhatsApp before!

He called her back. “Uh, have you always igno ulterior motives toward a buddy’s ex.

ie? Don’t worry, okay? I’m not like Sam, who has

“If it makes you uncomfortable, I’ll send you the contact, and you can delete my contact again afterward.”

Miranda replied, “Please send me the contact.”

“Alright.”

Zach sent over the contact and put away his phone, heading back to the private room.

Calvin looked up. “You were gone so long. Did you fall into the toilet or something?”

“Shut up!”

The woman who had been with Zach earlier smiled and sidled up to him. “Zach, you left me behind.”

“If I didn’t leave you, should I have taken you into the men’s room with me?” He patted her cheek playfully.

She pouted at him in mock annoyance. “Zach, book me for the night, won’t you?”

Zach gave her a mischievous look but didn’t commit.

-Her smile then faltered slightly, revealing a hint of disappointment.

These rich men were generous, no doubt. They knew how to charm women, but when they turned cold, they were truly heartless.

Their hearts were simply made of stone!

By th

the time they wrapped up, it was almost dawn. As the three of them walked to the bar’s entrance, Zach asked, “How are you two getting home?”

Hansel replied, “I called for a driver.”

“I didn’t drive today, so I’ll just grab a cab. What about you?” Calvin asked.

“I’m going to stay at a hotel tonight,” Zach replied.

Calvin smirked. “Doesn’t sound like you–going to a hotel without bringing a woman along?”

Zach scoffed. “If I wanted one, I could have one with just a call.”

“Take it easy, man.” Calvin winced. “Don’t overdo it and end up getting sick.”

“Relax, I know my limits. Hey, my car’s here, I’m heading out.”

“Wait a sec,” Calvin pulled him back, “You heard on the call earlier. Miranda asked for help finding a reliable editor. Did you….”

“Yeah, yeah, stop nagging. I already sent it to her,” Zach replied impatiently.

“Huh? When? I didn’t hear anything.” Calvin looked surprised.NôvelDrama.Org copyrighted © content.

I

“While I was ‘falling into the toilet,‘ as you put it.”

“Wait, you didn’t even have each other’s contact in

Zach rolled his eyes, “Ever heard of asking?”

ow did you manage that?”

“Hold on a second! This doesn’t add up–you were never this eager to help. Don’t tell me you’re turning

into another Sam…”

“Stop right there!” Zach quickly interrupted, glancing nervously at Hansel standing nearby.

Sure enough, Hansel’s expression was dark as coal.

“I’m helping Miranda purely to return a favor. Don’t go pinning Sam’s mess on me!” Zach insisted. One Sam was enough; the last thing he needed was a second.

There were plenty of women in the world. Why obsess over a friend’s? Even if she was an ex, it still didn’t sit right with Zach

Calvin breathed a sigh of relief, “That’s more like it…

“Now let me go; I’m getting in my car.”

“Alright,” Calvin released him.

Suddenly, Hansel spoke up, “Are you helping her because of our friendship?”

Zach paused with his hand on the car door, then turned and laughed, “Actually, no.”

Hansel’s gaze shifted between Calvin and Zach, suspicious and scrutinizing. “So, even after we broke up. you’ve continued to stay in contact wit