<b>Chapter </b><b>478 </b>


    Beneath thevish gifts, there was bound to be a hidden agenda.


    Mirabe nced at James and responded with an almost emotionless tone, “Yeah, but there’s not much left.”


    James could sense the reluctance in her voice. He casually took out his phone, opened his banking app, and transferred twelve thousand bucks to her in two quick taps.


    When Mirabe’s phone chimed twice, she looked at James <b>and </b>fished out her device. Her fingers paused over the notification of the transfer, and she said with mock severity, “Really, what’s this about? It’s


    just sandalwood. I’ve got plenty of that. When we get back, I’ll just hand you a box. No need for all this fuss!”


    James‘ eyes flicked to the confirmation of payment on his screen, and he


    After epting the transfer, something else seemed to strike Mirabeled in response.


    right?<b>” </b>


    33 3 3 2 3 5 3 2 1 3 1 5 2


    and you mentioned you’ve had <b>some </b>heart palpitations,


    <i>She </i>


    offered generously.


    James just watched her quietly, sensing he might not want to hear what wasing next.


    “I’ll throw in a bottle of heart pills for you, too. Good for all sorts of cardiac emergenc


    James was speechless, and in the <b>driver’s </b>seat, Wyatt almost couldn’t contain hisughter. Ms. Mirabe was surely heaven–sent to keep James in line. Her words never followed the expected <b>script</b>.


    Having received a hefty sum, Mirabe turned to gaze out the car window. Her ck coat made her skin even usually sharp features softened with her <b>good </b>mood, <b>adding </b>a touch of serene <b>grace</b>.


    more


    striking, and her


    Half an hourter, they arrived at the Mendoza Estate. Numerous luxury cars were parked outside the estate, yet James‘ vehicle was the most unassuming and discreet among them.


    Stepping out of the car, Mirabe gave a quick nce around before adjusting her coat.


    Soon after, Wyatt came over with gifts in hand, handing one to Mirabe. “Ms. Mirabe, this is a present James picked out, especially


    for you.”


    She epted it with a word of thanks.


    At the entrance to the Mendoza Estate, a butler weed the guests. He saw James alight from the car and had already sent someone to inform Mr. Knox. He recognized the young man’s esteemed status as an honored guest of the Mendoza family.


    Before long, Mr. Knox emerged, his face brightening with respect upon seeing James. “James.”


    With a slight nod to Mr. Knox, James handed his gift to the butler. “Happy birthday. May you age like fine wine.”


    Mr. Knox chuckled appreciatively, “Thank you, thank you.”


    He then turned to Mirabe, standing beside James, his eyes lighting up. “Mirabe.”


    Mirabe chose to ignore his experimental gaze, and handed over her gift. “Happy birthday, Knox.”


    “Ha, if you’d be my apprentice, I’d be even happier,” Knox jested.


    Mirabe merely smiled and replied, “Then you might be too happy for your own good.”


    Catching the hint of rejection, Knox cleared his throat and suggested, “Let’s head inside.”


    Taking the lead, he started towards the mansion.


    James watched Knox’s departing figure thoughtfully for a moment before turning to Mirabe. “Seems like <b>Knox </b>really does want to take you on as his apprentice.”


    Raising an eyebrow, Mirabe replied with a touch of pride, “Can’t help it. I’m just too exceptional.”


    ustomed to her shameless confidence, James simply gave her a look and <b>remained </b>silent, then proceeded through the grand doors of the Mendoza <b>Estate</b><b>. </b>