<b>Chapter </b><b>420 </b>


    Over here<b>. </b>


    After finishing his cup of coffee, Shawn could tell that Donald wasn’t his usual sprightly self. He chalked it up to the typical ebb of energy thates with age, not nearly as robust as the younger lot. So, without further ado, he signaled for his daughter to escort Donald up to the guest room prepared on the second floor for some rest


    Once they reached the guest room, she walked in first with Donald trailing behind, and as the door shut, she casually flicked the deadbolt into ce. The sound of the lock clicking made Donald spin around, an edgy look in his eyes. “What’s with the deadbolt?” he asked, his voice tight with suspicion.


    Mirabe crossed her arms and fixed Donald with a piercing gaze. “Donald, I’m giving your one more chance toe clean,” she said, her voice soft butced with a dangerous edge.


    Donald hadn’t expected Mirabe to be so assertive–it starkly contrasted what he had read in her profile. He put the regret over his coffee aside and slowly made his way to a nearby chair, sinking into it before responding, “Come clean about what?”


    She hooked a chair with her foot, pulled it closer, and took a seat herself. A sudden patience seemed to wash over her as she said, “For starters, who are you really? And what’s your purpose in seeking me out?”


    “Oh, I’m just a lonely old man in need of care. You’re easy on the eyes, and you suit my taste. That’s all,” Donald replied, this time not beating around the bush.


    A smirk twitched at the corner of Mirabe’s lips. “You really think I’d buy that?”


    “Well, there’s nothing I can do if you don’t believe me. I’m just a harmless old man. If <b>you’re </b>itching to get rough, then be my guest,” Donald said, spreading his hands in a gesture <b>of </b>indifference.


    Mirabe looked at the con artist before her without a flicker of emotion, fully aware that he was ying dumb again, yet infuriatingly, she was at a loss for what to do.


    Feeling the intensity of her stare, Donald’s scalp tingled. He knew better than to <b>overy </b>his hand, so he cleared his throat and said, “What’s with all the negativity, youngdy? I’m not going to harm you. I’m just here to stay for a little while.”


    “Ha, since when do guests lock themselves in like that?” Mirabe chuckled in disbelief.


    A scam artist who had wormed his way into her home? Such a tall tale would hardly be believed if she told anyone.


    With a huff, Donald retorted<b>, </b><b>“</b>It’s because of yourck of charity that <b>I </b>had toe to you.” The thought <b>of </bst night’s <b>dinner</b><b>–</b>reduced <b>to </b><b>a </b><b>microwaved </b>meal<b>–</b>still irked him.


    Mirabe’s gaze remained frosty. “Yeah right.”


    Donald touched his nose, and then, leaning on his cane, he stood and moved towards the bed. “I mean you no harm. I’ll be gone in a few days. Just think of it as taking care of a homeless old man.”


    He sat on the edge of the bed, not even ncing at Mirabe. As he pulled back the covers, he muttered to himself, “Who knows, maybe someday we’ll be family.”


    Sure, the girl had a temper, was rough around the edges, andcked a bit ofpassion for the elderly. But she was a looker. Looks are justice, after all. He had a soft spot for pretty faces.


    “Alright, time for bed. It’s not good for seniors to stay upte,” Donald said with a yawn, then turned his back to Mirabe and shut his eyes, feigning sleep.


    Mirabe was in disbelief. Indeed, whether in the past or the present, grandpas were the one she despised the most–without a doubt. Taking a deep breath, Mirabe stood up and left the room.


    Once the sound of the door closing echoed through the room, Donald, who had been lying on his side pretending to sleep, suddenly opened his eyes, a smug smile ying across his lips as if he had just pulled off a sly trick.