Adrian stepped through the door with a slightly downcast expression.


    Giselle, ever the optimist, gave him aforting smile. "Don''t worry about it. Things will get better. Why don''t we head outter? I''ll show you around and we can grab some delicious food."


    ...


    M was still recovering, asionally feeling dizzy. It was a relief that Eugene drove her back home.


    This was Eugene''s first visit to M''s vi in Maplewood Grove, and he was brimming with curiosity.


    As they drove past rows of houses, he noticed the vibrant decorations-especially the festive strings of candles that adorned the neighboring vi. "Who lives across the street, sis?" Eugene inquired, his curiosity piqued.


    M nced at the dimly lit house across the way. "They just returned from abroad. I haven''t met them yet, but they seem nice." She pointed to a charming cat-shaped candle hanging under the eaves and chuckled, "They helped me hang that up when they were decorating their ce."


    Eugene admired the candle, nodding thoughtfully. "That''s really kind of them."


    Once inside, Eugene marveled at the array of design projects scattered throughout the house. He wandered around, unable to conceal his amazement, constantly praising M''s talent.


    M couldn''t help butugh at his enthusiasm.


    Despite the cozy ambiance, M declined Eugene''s suggestion to stay overnight, citing her own reasons. She made arrangements for a car to take him back home. After seeing him off, she found herself with little appetite. She decided to turn in early, only to be interrupted by a call from her Aunt Jade.


    "I''ve invited you over so many times! Are you too busy every day? Come over for dinner! I have something to discuss with you."


    Aunt Jade''s voice carried a hint of annoyance after being brushed off repeatedly.


    M sighed, clutching her bandaged forehead. She knew she couldn''t avoid this visit, but her head injury needed some clever concealment.


    She needed backup.


    After a moment''s thought, she dialed Miranda and quickly filled her in on the situation.


    Once the call was over, M changed her clothes and pulled out an orange knit hat, strategically covering the bandages on her forehead. She hoped Aunt Jade wouldn''t be too suspicious.


    Miranda arrived at the vi to pick her up, already fuming from their earlier conversation. As soon as she saw M, her concern spilled over.


    "How could you not tell me something this serious? Aren''t we best friends?" "Let me see, is it getting better?"


    Despite her frustration, Miranda gently lifted M''s hat to examine the injury.


    Pinned in the passenger seat, M could only sigh. "It''s healing, really. I just didn''t want you to worry."


    She was more concerned that Miranda might storm downstairs and confront Hugo and his buddies. Whether they deserved it or not, a public confrontation could lead to unttering attention, which wasn''t ideal for awyer like Miranda.


    "Better? This was nearly a disaster!" Miranda huffed. "Next time I see those jerks, they''ll regret it!"


    "Alright, alright," M chuckled. "That''s exactly why I didn''t tell you. Trust me, I''ve got my own ways to deal with them. No need to get your hands dirty."


    Miranda''s eyes sparkled with understanding. "Oh, you''ve got a n, do you?"


    "When haven''t I?" M teased, nudging her friend. "Now let''s get going before Aunt Jade gets impatient. If we keep her waiting, you''re on your own exining."


    Miranda shuddered at the thought of Aunt Jade''s no-nonsense demeanor, a force to be reckoned with. "Hey, I''m here for you. Don''t leave me hanging."


    As she drove, Miranda grinned. "But if things get dicey, I might just switch sides and rat you out for keeping secrets."


    Mughed, shaking her head. "Alright, alright, I''ll never keep you in the dark again, Mr. Wayne. Just get me through this dinner, okay?"


    "We''ll see about that," Miranda teased with a wink.