“So, you’re in it for the prize money?” Vincent asked, his expression a mix of surprise and instantprehension.


    Mirabe nodded, her gaze drifting back to the pages of her book.


    Vincent couldn’t help but nce at her book. He prided himself on his French skills, but the text before him might as well have been written in code.


    He felt a slight sting to his ego.


    Leaning back, he muttered with a wistful air, “This time, I won’t lose the nationalpetition to


    you.”


    Without even lifting her head from the page she was turning. Mirabe replied with a breezy, “Oh, then best of luck to you.”


    Those who usually threw down that gauntlet ended up eating their words. She could only offer encouragement.


    Time flew by, and soon, the airport staff began announcing it was time to board.


    Mirabe was one of thest to stand up, leisurely packing her book and pulling the small, wheeled suitcase her mom had prepared for her towards the gate, where she handed her ID and boarding pass to the attendant with a swipe.


    Her seat was by the window, and as soon as she was on the ne, she powered off her phone. pulled her hoodie over her head, and nestled into her seat to rest.


    Two and a half hourster, the ne touched down at Riverdale Airport. It was just past six, and the sky hadn’tpletely darkened yet.


    After dening, everyone gathered at the exit as the preliminary rounds were set to start the next day. The airport was filled with students and participants from all over the country.


    Thepetition was at Prestige College, and most schools had booked hotels nearby. Parkside High School was no exception.


    Elsewhere, Wyatt, who had just emerged from the VIP corridor, spotted Mirabe amidst a group of students while he was on a call. He did a double–take, making sure he wasn’t mistaken. He had overheard Mr. Hammond mentioning that he would bring students to Riverdale for apetition but hadn’t expected to bump into them.


    After ending his call, Wyatt approached James, nodding towards Mirabe, “Sir, look over there, that’s Ms. Mirabe.”


    James lifted his gaze, his cool eyesnding on a girl who seemed tomand attention wherever she stood, even in her casual pose.


    It was as if she sensed she was being watched; she suddenly looked up, her eyes finding him


    with precision.


    Their gazes met in mid–air, and a subtle smile yed on James‘ lips. What a sharp kid.


    Wyatt hesitated before asking in a low voice. “Should we go over and say hello?”


    After a brief nce from Mirabe that quickly withdrew, James shook his head. “No need, let’s


    go.”


    With that, he turned away, his usual icy demeanor settling back over his features as he walked


    off.


    Meanwhile, Anthony gathered all his students once they were ounted for and led them toward the airport parking lot. Mr. Hammond had already arranged for their transportation.


    Coming from the esteemed Hammond family of Riverdale, Mr. Hammond had ensured a driver from the family estate was there to meet them, parked in a privatene within the airport.


    Aside from the Hammond family vehicle, there were several ck limousines with government tes. A few men stood in a disciplined line, their expressions stern, exuding an aura that warned strangers to keep their distance. It was as if they were there to pick up someone of great importance.