<b>Chapter </b><b>111 </b>
Mirabe barely registered the look on Catherine’s face as her phone buzzed in her pocket. Pulling it out, she saw it was Zach calling. Instead of answering immediately, she turned her attention back to Catherine. “Oh, by the way, Grandma, my brother Zach said he’d drop by to see you. He’s downstairs right now.”
At the mention of Zach, Catherine’s worried expression was instantly reced with surprise. Regaining herposure, she quickly said, “Your dear brother, Zach? Well, then, you better hurry down and bring him up.”
“Sure thing,” Mirabe nodded, chuckling as she noticed Catherine nervously trying to tidy her short hair. “No need to be nervous<b>, </b>Grandma. He’s family.”
Catherine, a bit embarrassed, stopped fussing with her hair. “I just want to make a good first impression, that’s all.”
Mirabe smiled and gently pushed a stray lock from Catherine’s forehead. “You look wonderful just the way you are.”
Soon after, Mirabe went down to fetch Zach. “Grandma, this is my brother Zach,” Mirabe said as she helped Zach set down some health supplements he had brought onto the cab, gently introducing him to Catherine.
13
Zach’s gaze fell on Catherine. Her face had a sickly pallor, probably from her illness<b>, </b>but her spirit seemed strong, and she had a kind and gentle look about her. No wonder Mirabe was so fond of her. Zachposed himself and nodded politely at Catherine with a smile. “Hello, Catherine. I apologize for the sudden visit. I hope I’m not interrupting your rest.”
Catherine shook her head with a smile. “Not at all. I’m delighted you coulde<b>, </b>Zach. Please, take a seat and make yourselffortable.”
“Thank you,” Zach replied, taking a seat without further ceremony. ncing at Mirabe, he added, “I must thank you, ma’am, for all the years of care and guidance you’ve given Mirabe. She’s turned out to be quite exceptional.”
Catherine’s cheeks colored with modesty. <b>“</b>Oh<b>, </b>she’s always been a remarkable girl, Zach. I can’t take much credit. If anything, she’s had to endure quite a lot with me.”
Mirabe pulled up a chair beside Catherine’s bed, her eyebrows raised with a proud tilt. “I’ll admit I’m exceptional, but let’s not talk about hardships, shall we? After all, have you ever seen someone who’s had a tough time turn out as splendid and smart as me?”
“You and yourck of modesty,” Catherine chuckled.
“Modesty depends on thepany,” Mirabe winked at Catherine.
Catherine shook her head with a smile and instinctively grabbed Mirabe’s hand, holding it warmly.
As Zach observed the easy and affectionate exchange between his sister and Catherine, he
12:18
couldn’t help but contrast it <b>with </b>the atmosphere at home <b>with </b>their own family<b>. </b><b>It </b>was a stark difference that stirred deep thoughts within him.
No wonder Mirabe had initially refused to leave with their parents when they came to pick her up from Catherine’s house, dying her return for a year.
Catherine must have been the only family Mirabe had known for over a decade, the orie who actually raised her. To ask Mirabe to abandon that bond so abruptly would be too much for anyone with a conscience.
Zach’s thoughts drifted to Summer. After the truth <b>about </b>the mix<b>–</b>up came to light, Summer left the Davis family without hesitation, swiftly reverting to her birth father’s surname.
The Davises had never mistreated her, and although Summerter exined that her biological parents had pressured her, her actions still left a chill.
A wry smile tugged at Zach’s lips. Comparisons could be harsh, illuminating hidden problems one might wish to ignore.