Chapter <b>125 </b>


    Catherine had her little tricks to mask her emotions, and Mirabe knew them all too well.


    Mirabe Idly twirled a lock of damp hair that had fallen over her shoulder. Her voice was nonchnt. “Look at you, all gutsy now, sneaking back to your hometown without a peep.”


    At that, Catherine chuckled nervously, a hint of fear in her voice. “Well, I wasn’t alone. Mr. James arranged for someone to bring me back.”


    Mirabe let out a soft snort. “You just met the guy. What if he tricked you? Where would I find another grandma like you?”


    Catherine felt a sour lump in her throat, suppressing the difort as she whispered, “I know James is a good man.”


    “Don’t pull a vanishing act on me again, okay? <b>If </b>you want to go somewhere, just tell me. Do you really think I’d stop you?”


    After a brief pause, Mirabe’s gaze softened, and her voice was more serious than ever. “With me here, no one will ever force you to stay somewhere you don’t like again.”


    She knew Mandy had always wanted to move Catherine to the city, but Catherine was reluctant. If it hadn’t been for Mirabe returning to the Davis family, Catherine probably wouldn’t have agreed to move. It was her own selfishness that made Catherine live unhappily in the city for this time. She wanted to take care of Catherine for the sake of her body’s original owner, but she had overlooked whether the olddy wanted to be taken care of at all.


    Catherine’s voice was choked as she hummed in agreement, “If Mandy gives you trouble again, don’t worry about my feelings. Do what you have to do, and don’t let yourself be wronged.<b>” </b>


    Mirabe spoke tly. “So, all this heartache of yours is because you overthink everything.”


    Fearing the conversation would weigh on her emotions, Catherine hurriedly said, “Alright, alright, it’s gettingte. I’m off to bed<b>.</b>” Without waiting for Mirabe to bid her goodnight, she hung up the phone.


    Mirabe listened to the dial tone, chuckled, shook her head, and set the phone down. She picked up the hairdryer and continued drying her hair. Soon, there was a knock at the door.


    Mirabe had just finished drying her hair. She swept it back casually and headed to the door. “Zach?”


    Zach stood with his hands behind his back, more schrly without his usual frameless sses. He pressed his lips into a slight smile and asked, “Haven’t had dinner yet, have you?”


    Mirabe looked surprised, then nodded.


    Zach stepped aside, tilting his chin toward the stairwell. “Come on, I’ll whip up something for you to eat.” After a brief pause, he added, “Emmitt’s gone. No need to worry about any awkwardness.”


    Without any fuss, Mirabe epted, “Well, thanks, Zach.”


    They descended the stairs, one after the other. It was nearly ten o’clock, and Delh and Shawn had already retired to their rooms.


    Rolling up the sleeves of his pajamas, Zach scanned the fridge. Finding only eggs and a tomato, he touched his nose, and then turned to Mirabe with a helpless expression. “Not much to work with. How about some pasta?”


    “That’s fine. I’m not picky.”


    “OK,” Zach nodded and took out the eggs and tomato. “Take a seat in the living room. I’ll have it ready in a jiffy.”


    Mirabe hummed softly in response but didn’t leave. Instead<b>, </b>she crossed her arms and leaned against the wall, calmly watching the figure in the kitchen skillfully prepare the meal.