Mr. Hammond pulled out his prized coffee from the cab and brewed it before settling into his armchair, looking towards James. “How long are you nning to stick around these parts, James?”


    James lifted the teacup, blew gently on the surface, and took a sip. “No immediate ns to head back.”


    At that, Mr. Hammond couldn’t help but chuckle, “Donald gave me a ring just the other day.”


    The mention of Donald made Wyatt, who <b>stood </b>behind James, visibly squirm with guilt.


    “He’s got too much time on his hands,” James said nonchntly, reclining on the couch with an air of effortless nobility.


    Mr. Hammond’s lips twitched. In all of Riverdale, probably only James could make such a remark about Donald. He recalled his earlier conversation with Mirabe<b>, </b>and the curiosity got the better of him. “You seem to be quite familiar with our school’s student, Mirabe.”


    James nodded lightly. “Yeah, I spent some time living next door to her ce.”


    Next door?


    Mr. Hammond stroked his chin, perplexed. Wasn’t Mirabe just an ordinary student? How on earth did she end up living next to someone like James?


    “Did shee to see you about something?” Inquired James, pretending not to notice his confusion.


    That reminded Mr. Hammond of the unpleasant encounter with the Gilbert family that morning. and he casually brought up how Mirabe was ndered for cheating in thepetition.


    After hearing the story, James remained cool and detached, merely tilting his head with a hint of amusement. “So the education association enjoys a bit of backstage maniption these days?”


    Sipping his tea, Mr. Hammond sighed cynically. “There are plenty in the association who look for shortcuts. It’s be the norm.”


    After a pause, he changed the subject, “I’ll be heading back to Riverdale next week. Got anything you want me to deliver to Donald?”


    James‘ gaze seemed distant, almost nonchnt. “No need. I’ll be making a trip back myself next week.


    This surprised Mr. Hammond.


    “The historical museum is releasing a 17th Century emerald pendant for exhibition,” James said softly.


    Mr. Hammond’s eyes widened in shock. “Donald’s actually putting that emerald pendant on


    <b>12:11 </b>


    disy? Is he trying to cause a stir in the industry?”


    The pendant from the Shepherd family was nearly wless. Many had eyed it covetously, but none who tried to acquire it met with good ends.


    “So your trip back is to personally oversee the antiques in the exhibition hall?” Mr. Hammond quickly grasped the situation.


    The biennial exhibition featured rare artifacts from all around, hosted by the Shepherd family. No one else had the clout to ensure the highest security.


    Despite the stringent security, there were always loopholes. Mr. Hammond seemed to recall an incident from two years ago and guessed Donald’s intention for disying the Western Zhou Dynasty Jade. “Are you nning to draw them out with the pendant as bait?<b>” </b>


    James‘ eyes were half–closed. His gaze was intense and cool. “Nobody can meddle on Shepherd family turf and escape unscathed.”


    Mr. Hammond felt a shiver run down his spine. Despite being older by a few decades, he couldn’t withstand the chilling aura emanating from James.


    Steadying his nerves, he shifted the conversation, “When are you heading back to the capital?<b>” </b>


    ‘Next Friday,” replied James. His eyes were now free of the cold glint, and his demeanor was ?eemingly harmless – as if the earlier menace were but an illusion.