Chapter <b>316 </b>


    Mirabe returned home and, due to jetg, crashed for nearly a full day, not waking until 6 p.m. When she finally got up, she freshened up quickly and made her way downstairs.


    As soon as she reached the living room, she noticed Collins lounging on the couch. She nodded in greeting and then headed to the fridge to grab a bottle of water.


    Collins turned to her, a yful smirk on his face. “Mirabe<b>, </b>you’re quite the rockstar, aren’t you? Jetting off and knocking out the internationalpetition.”


    Mirabe took a couple of gulps of water before meeting his gaze, her tone nonchnt. “Just doing what I do.”


    Collins‘ smile twitched; why did he even bother setting himself up for that ego knock? “By the way, Mira, we’re scheduled for that show the day after tomorrow. You’re good to go, right?” Collins had been waiting at the Davis residence for half the day just to bring up the uing gig.


    “Yeah, no sweat,” Mirabe replied as she settled into the sofa.


    The show would be starting over the weekend.


    “Great. I mean, I’ve briefed you on what to expect. Just stick close to Leo, and you’ll be fine.” Collins advised.


    “Got it,” Mirabe said, curling her legs beneath her on the couch. “So, this show doesn’t have a script or anything?”


    “Nope, it’s all improv,” Collins said, raising an eyebrow teasingly. “You’re not getting stage fright, are you, brainiac?”


    Mirabe shot him azy nce. “I’m just worried if I go full throttle, I might steal everyone else’s thunder.”


    Collins threw her a yful punch. Smart and quick–witted as always.


    He nced at his watch and stood up. “Alright, I should head out. Hit me up on Messenger if anythinges up.”


    “Will do,” Mirabe said with a subtle pursing of her lips.


    After Collins left, Leo turned to Mirabe. “You saw Nick, right?”


    10:58


    “Yeah, I did.” Mirabe paused for a moment before asking, “Why does Nick stay abroad all the time? Does he evere home?<b>” </b>


    “He’s got his work cut out for him overseas. Probably keeps him too busy. He onlyes back home once every few years,” Leo replied softly.


    “Oh,” Mirabe nodded and let the topic drop.


    **


    The next day, Mirabe made another trip to the herbal market, straight to a shop called Nature’s Apothecary. She needed various herbs for an insomnia remedy and handed the owner a list. Though the list was long, the ingredients weremon, and the owner quickly gathered what she needed.


    Mirabe waited while the herbs were ground into powder, taking the chance to send a message to James. Once she got a reply confirming he was free, she pocketed her phone again.


    Soon, the owner handed over the powdered herbs. Mirabe transferred the payment and picked up her bag to leave. Just as she reached the door, someone came in, nearly bumping into her.


    “Oh! Mirabe, what brings you here?” It was Niki, seemingly surprised to see Mirabe.


    She hadn’t expected to run into Niki either and gave him a polite nod, lifting the bag slightly. “Just picking up some herbs.”


    Niki’s eyes practically sparkled. “You’re concocting something again? What is it this time? Need an assistant?”


    Mirabe just looked at him silently. “I’m not making medicine and don’t need an assistant.”


    Letting Niki watch her make James‘ medicinest time was probably the worst decision she had ever made.


    “Oh, I see…” Niki’s face fell, disappointmentcing his voice. “Well, if you ever do need a hand, you know where to find me, right?”


    Niki’s apprentice at the counter, who had just been handling Mirabe’s herbs, dropped his jaw in shock at the exchange.