<b>Chapter </b>439


    Mirabe had downed a few cups of lemonade, before she could fully grasp the concept that “this restaurant is part of the Davis family’s portfolio.”


    “So, our family is, like, filthy rich?”


    Zach, gazing upon his sister’s incredulous expression, btedly realized that perhaps their parents hadn’t briefed her on the family’s financial standing. He cleared his throat and ventured, “Well, we’re… moderately well–off, I suppose.”


    The script of a poor family narrative was crumbling before Mirabe’s eyes, and with a mix of emotions, she prodded, “Moderately well–off, what does that even mean?”


    2


    “We’re probably a tad morefortable than your average publicpany?” Zach replied without a hint of trying to conceal the truth. He genuinely didn’t know. His own startup consumed all his time, leaving him little interest in the family’s extensive assets.


    Mirabe shot him a look of mild disdain; his answer was as good as no answer. Zach scratched his nose and looked down, picking up his cup to take a sip. However, promptly, he fished out his smartphone and sent a message on Messenger. [Dad, just how rich are we?]


    Shawn, on the receiving end, sent back a puzzled question mark.


    After pondering a moment, Zach texted back, [Mirabe’s asking.]


    Shawn, clutching his phone and unsure why his daughter was suddenly inquiring, decided to stick with the little white lie he had spun for amusement’s sake, replying, [Just tell her we’re broke.]


    Zach pushed up his sses, typing, […Why do we say that?]


    Shawn replied, [Because we’ve always told her we’re not well–off.]


    Zach’s lips twitched. He had just finished typing [She already knows about the money.], but before he could hit send, another message from Shawn popped up. Shawn: [You better not bring up our wealth in front of your sister, or you’re dead


    10:37


    meat.]


    The threat, palpable even through the screen, mede Zach’s fingers tremble, and he hastily deleted the drafted message, Luckily, he hadn’t sent it or might have been in real trouble.


    Zachposed and sent a new message. (Don’t you know me, Das? Even if Mirabe found out about our wealth, it definitely wouldn’t be from me Pest easy! *smileyface“]


    Shawn<b>: </b>[Alright, as long as you’re aware


    Zach: [Crystal clear.]


    Zach pocketed his phone and turned a grave expression toward his siste, Virz what if I told you that all that talk about our family being loaded and owning this restaurant was just me, you know, shooting the breeze? Yourd believe that right?”


    Mirabe was silent.


    “Right, I’m pretty sure you’d believe it‘ he said, with a hint of self–assurance


    Whether he was trying to convince himself or brainwash Mirab was under but he had already decided to retreat to his own home for a while


    Mirabe just stared at him, questioning his mental state internal.


    Soon after, the restaurant manager brought over their orders, seting the table with meticulous care before reluctantly making his exit


    Zach rubbed his temples as the manager left if it werent for all this fies would he really have slipped up and found himself on the verge of being homeless?


    22