Collins tapped on his conversation with Mirabe, scanning for any irregrities. Finding none, he casually remarked, “My Messenger’s working just fine. Why don’t you send another message to double–check?”
Mirabe responded by sending an emoji, which, to her frustration, bounced back, “Looks like I’m on your
block list.”
The mention of being blocked suddenly reminded her of a certain goofball she had blocked on her own Messenger list.
“Blocked? Why on earth would I <b>block </b>you…” Collins began with a chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief as he navigated to his settings and checked the block list. His speech trailed off abruptly when he spotted Mirabe’s <b>nickname </b><b>among </b>the blocked contacts
Holy smokes, this <b>was </b>some kind of witchcraft! Since when had he ever blocked Mirabe<b>? </b>
<b>Rubbing </b>his eyes<b>, </b>Collins began to suspect he’d stumbled into the most bizarre mystery of the year. quickly unblocked her.
“Mirabe, I swear I <b>had </b><b>no </b>idea <b>you </b>were blocked. I would never do such a low–down thing.” Collins exined with utmost <b>seriousness</b>. After all, it was more likely for Leo to end up on that list than Mirabe.
He
Mirabe, although baffled, decided not to dwell on the issue. “No biggie. I should be able to get out of tomorrow morning’s <b>shoot</b>. I’ll ask for a personal <b>day</b>”
“Alright, I’ll swing by and pick you up at nine,” Collins said:
“Cool.”
With the call ended, Collins stared at his phone screen, lost in thought. He couldn’t for the life of him figure out why he had blocked <b>Mirabe</b>.
Shaking his head to clear it, he looked around the open space that served as both a living and dining room before his gaze drifted toward the studio. A look of confusion crossed his face
Weird, wasn’t Leo <b>just </b>here when I was on the phone? Where’d he vanish to?
On the other end, Mirabe sent a text to Ate, asking for a day off
Given her ster academic record and Ate’s impression of her as a particrly well–behaved student, Ate didn’t hesitate to approve the request, even without a reason provided in the message.
With <b>a </b>a slight smile and a lighter heart, Mirabe put away her phone as the Mendoza family’s dinner party got underway
Considering James‘ status, Knox hadn’t ced Mirabe and James at the main table, but they weren’t seated with other <b>guests </b>either–a gesture of special treatment
Feeling peckish, Mirabe didn’t stand on ceremony once the food was served. She dove in, focusing on her meal.
The dinner included a round of toasts, starting with the hosts and followed by the guests at their own
расе
10:07
Asher’s eyes asionally drifted over to Mirabe and James‘ table, and after a while, he approached with a ss of wine in hand, his intention clear as day.
“Hi Mr. James,” Asher said, nodding respectfully with a smile stered across his <b>face</b>.
James, busy serving Mirabe some food, took his time responding. Finally, he set down the utensils and looked up at Asher. “I’ll pass on the drink, thanks,” James said coolly.
Asher’s hand stiffened around his wine ss, his smile freezing in ce. After <b>a </b>few awkward seconds, his voice came out a bit parched. “Water, then. Wateris fine.”
James took a casual sip from his cup of tea, set it down, and withdrew his gaze. conversation without another word.
effectively ending the