<b>Chapter </b><b>477 </b>


    After school, the bell rang, signaling the end of another day at Parkside High. Mirabe swiftly organized her desk, sliding her <b>coat </b>on as she strolled out of the ssroom.


    Stepping through the school gates, her eyes immediately caught sight of the familiar ck sedan parked curbside. Without hesitation, she approached the vehicle.


    At the front passenger side, the window was rolled down, revealing Wyatt, who leaned out with a grin, greeting Mirabe with a casual, “Hey there.”


    he lean and


    Mirabe nodded in response and, as per her usual routine, pulled open the back door and settled into the seat.


    over as


    James was sprawled outfortably, giving Mirabe a once–over as she got situated. His piercing gaze softened <i>for </i>a moment. “Need to change before we head out?”


    She nced down at her unbuttoned coat, revealing the Parkside High emblem emzoned on her sweater beneath. Shrugging nonchntly, she replied, “Nah, it’s just dinner, nothing fancy.”


    Her free–spirited nature wasn’t one for formalities, especially since Knox’s birthday bash was at the family’s old manor, not some uptight five–star venue. Dressing up didn’t seem necessary.


    “Alright,” James offered a simple acknowledgment. He was dressed in a casual navy ensemble that lent him an air of effortless elegance. Despite theid–back look, he still exuded an aura of distinction, a testament to his blue–blooded upbringing.


    Mirabe found afortable position and casually inquired, “How’s your health beentely?”


    James‘ brows quirked yfully, and he extended his arm towards her, his sleeve sliding up to reveal a pale, refined wrist, “Take my pulse, and you’ll know.”


    Wyatt, catching a glimpse of his boss‘ actions in the rearview mirror<b>, </b>couldn’t help but mentally scoff at anyone who called his boss unromantic. These subtle flirtations were smooth as silk.


    Mirabe gave James a sidelong nce, stating bluntly, “You look pretty healthy to me. No pulse–taking needed.”


    At that, a flicker of disappointment crossed James‘ eyes as he withdrew his arm, murmuring, “Just the asional irregr heartbeat.” The sound of Wyatt choking on his own saliva filled the car. “Cough<b>, </b>cough, cough…” He couldn’t believe such a flirtatious line had juste from his stoic boss. Surely, his ears were deceiving him.


    With a nce from James, Wyatt felt <b>a </b>chill run down his spine. He shrank back in his seat, keeping any further sounds to himself. Mirabe’s delicate brows furrowed as she turned to James with a smirk. “You don’t have any heart issues.”


    –


    That was the verdict pure and simple, from the lips of a straightforward woman. Internally, Wyattmented that his boss‘ love life might be fraught with obstacles.


    James met Mirabe’s clear gaze, her own eyes free of any ulterior motives, as if she mncholy surfaced within him.


    Were merely stating a fact. A twinge of


    James let out a faint sigh in his heart and ambiguously said, “You wouldn’t understand.” Mirabe asked with each word emphasized, “Are you questioning my medical skills?”


    The conversation seemed to stall, leaving a brief silence in the car. James faced his first true setback, his emotions tangled.


    It looked like getting through to her would be a tall order, at least for the foreseeable future.


    Then, shaking off his somber mood, James changed the subject. “Anyway, my granddad really enjoyed that incense from your ce. Got any left? He’s been having trouble sleeping and keeps going on about how soothing it was