Chapter <b>225 </b>


    Mr. Hammond’s face suddenly took on a serious cast as a thought struck him. “If you ever run into trouble you can’t handle, feel free toe see me. I’ve got a fair number of friends around


    here.”


    Had anyone familiar with Mr. Hammond been present, they would have been astounded.


    Mr. Hammond was a native of Riverdale, and with the Hammond family name behind him. The Hammonds might not have been the crème de crème, but they were still blue–bloods through and through. Truth be told, the Gilberts didn’t hold a candle to the Hammonds. His offer was tantamount to bringing Mirabe under the wing of the Hammonds themselves.


    Mirabe offered a smile, although she didn’t need his help. She replied with a sweet. “Thank you, Mr. Hammond. I appreciate it.”


    Mr. Hammond felt a tinge of sentimentality, and thinking of Summer, he couldn’t help but add some advice, “Sometimes, being too naive isn’t good. It’s important to keep your guard up<b>.</b><b>” </b>


    Mirabe looked up at Mr. Hammond and, seeing his earnest expression, she touched her nose. thinking. “Well, looks like my goody–two–shoes act is quite convincing<b>.</b><b>” </b>


    “With the nationalsing up next week, make sure you’re ready. We’re all counting on you to shine at the internationalpetition,” Mr. Hammond reminded her.


    Should Mirabe score well internationally, it would catapult her career to new heights, and she wouldn’t have to entertain any more nder orpromise from her foster father. In a world where power and strength reigned supreme, only by standing tall could one avoid being wronged at every turn.


    Oblivious to Mr. Hammond’s thoughts, Mirabe threw up an “OK” sign. “Don’t worry. I’ll bring home that international trophy for you.”


    After a pause, she added, “But I won’t actually be able to hand it over to you.” It was, after all, meant for her dear Catherine<b>. </b>


    Mr. Hammond’s lips twitched. He knew she had apetitive streak, and not wanting to dampen her spirits, he simply warned, “The internationalpetition is a different ballgame. It’s filled with top contenders.”


    Mirabe’s eyebrows shot up, and her voice wasced with pride, “That’s what makes it exciting.”


    Just then, a knock came at the door, and Mirabe stood. “You must be busy. I’ll head back to ss.”


    Mr. Hammond rose as well. “Alright then.”


    Mirabe reached the door and pulled it open to find Anthony, with two familiar faces in tow. Mirabe was rather surprised at the sight of them.


    100


    <b>12:11 </b>


    “Ms. Mirabe.” Wyatt greeted her, with a touch of respect in his voice.


    James looked at Mirabe. His expression was thoughtful. “Did we interrupt your conversation with Mr. Hammond?”


    Stepping out of the office. Mirabe replied casually, “Not at all, we were just wrapping up.”


    James hummed softly. His usually stoic face softened slightly.


    Anthony, taken aback, whispered, “You two know each other?”


    Wyatt nodded, “Ms. Mirabe is a friend of our… James“.”


    Mr. Hammond<b>, </b>overhearing this, was visibly stunned. His student knew James of the Shepherd. family? And Wyatt’s demeanor towards her was quite respectful<b>, </b>which was <b>truly </b>a puzzling revtion.


    Mirabe nodded to James and Wyatt, not lingering to chat, and with a quick “I’ll be off then,” to the still shell–shocked Mr. Hammond, she made her exit.


    “Alright… alright,” Mr. Hammond managed. His head still spun as he ushered James into his office with newfound reverence.