Zach reined in his thoughts and resumed the casual banter with Catherine.


    Perhaps because Zach didn’t appear as dreadful as Mandy had described, and his manners and conversation were quite polite, Catherine’s floodgates of chatter seemed to burst open, and she talked his ear off without stopping. Of course, the bulk of the conversation revolved around Mirabe, with Catherine reliving memories from her granddaughter’s childhood right through to her high school years, growing more animated as she went on.


    Mirabe, the subject of the discussion, watched the two engrossed in conversation–one speaking with passion and the other listening intently–and couldn’t help but press a hand to her forehead in mild frustration before standing up. “I’m going to use the restroom,” she announced.


    No sooner had she stepped out than Catherine turned to Zach with a serious look in her eyes. “I’ll be entrusting Mira to your care from now on. The poor child hasn’t had much parental love growing up, but I can see she’s doing well now with her birth parents,” she said. Her voice held a note of bittersweet contentment, and for a moment, a shadow of mncholy crossed her face.


    Zach’s brow furrowed instinctively, sensing something off about Catherine’s words–as if she was saying farewell.


    13


    After a brief pause, he spoke up. “The truth is, Mira loves you very much. Even though she’s back with us now<b>, </b>you’ll always be the dearest family in her heart.”


    At his words, a warm glow filled Catherine’s eyes–Mira was indeed the best granddaughter in the world.


    “You just take <i>care </i>of yourself, ma’am, and don’t overthink things,” Zachforted her.


    Catherine smiled, indicating she understood.


    Before long, Mirabe returned. ncing outside at the darkening sky, Catherine began to usher them out. “It’s gettingte, Mira. You and Zach should head back. I’ve got doctors and nurses to look after me. There’s no need to keep mepany. You’ve got a heavy workload with your senior year studies<b>. </b>Head home and hit the books.”


    Mirabe checked the time. “Should I stay a bit longer?<b>” </b>


    Firm in her resolve, Catheriney back down and pulled the covers over herself. “No, no, you go home. I’m tired and need some sleep.”


    Mirabe sighed in resignation, approached the bed, and gently tucked in the nket. “Alright then, rest well. I’lle by after school tomorrow.”


    Catherine hummed in acknowledgment.


    Mirabe started to leave, then paused and turned back. “Oh, I forgot to mention that I entered anotherpetition. I’ll bring you an international trophy to show for it soon.”


    12:18


    Chapte 112


    “Alright, alright, I know you’re capable. Now off you go, stop fussing more than an olddy.” Catherine’s muffled voice came from under the covers as she turned away.


    For the first time, the usually confident Mirabe felt unjustly rebuffed. She touched her nose. and quietly exited the room.


    Once the door closed behind her, Catherine, who had been facing away, suddenly turned back, her eyes brimming with tears, a look of profound sadness and reluctance on her face. After a long moment, she sniffled and shakily retrieved her phone from beneath her pillow.


    Meanwhile, Summer had instructed her driver to follow Zach’s car all the way to the hospital. Seeing Zach emerge, her heart sank to new depths.


    She had excused his dismissive behavior the day before by telling herself it was because of Mirabe. But seeing him now, actually apanying Mirabe <i>to </i>visit her grandmother and sharingughs, Summer could no longer maintain herposure.