Jenna was fiddling with her phone, casually unlocking it as she spoke. ‘That thread on the forum got pretty heated. I noticed the admins locked it down just a while ago… Huh, why are thements open again?”
Mirabe continued walking ahead with an indifferent gaze.
In the afternoon. Mirabe was surprised to receive a message from James on Messenger. [Free after school?]
Mirabe pondered for a few seconds before quickly responding. [Should be.]
[Knox whipped up a couple of new dishes. He specifically asked me to check if you’re free tonight.]
Mirabe’s fingers brushed the phone screen. Without much hesitation, she replied. [Yes!] Getting new knowledge and good food? Well, count her in!
James. [See you at the school gate after ss then.]
Mirabe’s eyebrows lifted slightly, and after sending back an affirmative, she pocketed her phone.
After school as Mirabe stepped out of the school gates, she spotted James‘ unremarkable ck sedan. Wyatt was standing by the car door, <b>and </b>as Mirabe approached, he greeted her proactively. “Good day, Ms. Mirabe.” There was a tone of respect in his voice.
Mirabe nodded slightly in response.
Swiftly. Wyatt opened the rear door of the car for Mirabe, and after she got in, he closed it behind her..
James turned to look at Mirabe as she settled in, a gentle smile gracing his chiseled features. “Right on time.”
Mirabe raised an eyebrow, ncing at him, “One should always be punctual to an appointment.”
James rested his hand on his knee and instructed Wyatt to drive, casually starting a conversation, “How’s yourpetition going?” He was referring to the BrainSpark Nationals.
Mirabe leanedzily against the car window. “It’s alright, just advanced to the nationals.”
“Congrattions.”
Mirabe waved her hand dismissively. “No big deal her voice carrying a touch of pride.
“Whatpetition?” Wyatt, who was driving, asked curiously.
10:09
“Just some dull quiz show.” Mirabe replied offhandedly.
At her side. James‘ eyebrows twitched slightly at the response.
Ever since Mirabe had given James a box of Incense of Calm, Wyatt had been constantly
thinking about building a good rapport with her. After a pause, he inquired further. “What’s it
called? Can I find it online?”
Mirabe shared the name with him.
Wyatt made a mental note, and during a red light, he searched it up on his phone, his expression turning puzzled after a quick skim. Had he been out of school too long, or was he just uninformed? Was Ms. Mirabe really finding apetition that offered a direct admission slot to Prestige College merely ‘dull?‘
“The nationalpetition isn’t in this city, is it?” James tapped his knee idly.
“No, it’s in Riverdale.” Mirabe tilted her head, her gaze fixed on James, steady and unwavering, without a hint of difort or awkwardness<b>. </b>
Noticing Mirabe’s gaze, James‘ usually cool demeanor took on an air of unease. He lowered his eyes slightly before asking, “When is it?”
Mirabe pursed her lips, not finding any reason to withhold the information. “Next Saturday and Sunday.”
James was silent for a few seconds before saying, “Coincidentally, I have to make a trip to Riverdale next week. If you have time, I could show you around.”
Considering Leo’s situation, Mirabe waved her hand. “Might not be possible. I probably won’t have the time.”
“We can touch base when the timees,” James didn’t press the issue<b>. </b>
“Sure.” Mirabe turned to look outside at the streets, “Not going to the same ce we atest
time?”
“No, we’re heading to Knox’s ce,” James replied casually.
Mirabe mused for a few seconds before falling silent.
Forty minutester, the car finally stopped outside the grand entrance of Mendoza Estate.
Mendoza Estate was not some opulent vi but rather a residence with a rich, antique charm. Standing outside the gates, Mirabe felt as if she was about to step through a portal to a bygone era.