Mirabe pressed her fingers to her temples, a headache blossoming at the thought of Zach’stest shenanigans. Trust him to <b>strut </b>into someone else’s house like he owned the ce.


    Slipping her phone <b>into </b>her jeans pocket, she looked up at Shown, who was elbow–deep in soapy water in the kitchen, and mumbled, “Gonna take a walk.” Without waiting for an acknowledgment, she was out the door in a sh.


    When she reached the neighboring vi, her hand lifted instinctively, pressing her thumb against the biometric scanner, and the iron gate swung open.


    No sooner had she stepped into the yard than she bumped into Wyatt, who wasing out to great her and offer to open the gate for her. His eyes darted to the gate in surprise.


    Mirabe simply raised her finger, exining. “Last time I was here, James had m


    added.”


    A light of understanding flickered in Wyatt’s eyes as he realized James had been quite expedient in getting her fingerprint. It seemed he had missed his own opportunity to y host.


    Clearing his throat, Wyatt suggested, “Let’s head inside.”


    Mirabe nodded, walking into the vi with an easy grace. The slippers prepared for her were right where she remembered, in the cab by the door. She slipped them on without a moment’s hesitation.


    Zach was sitting ramrod straight in the living room, hands resting on his knees, and his chin tilted up defiantly. No matter from which angle you observed, he emanated a sense of indomitable pride.


    Rubbing her forehead, Mirabe approached quietly, stopping just behind Zach’s back.


    <b>“</b>Mr. James,” Zach started, his tone casual yet firm, “just so you know, my little sister’s grades don’t require any tutoring now. She’s pretty much guaranteed admission to Prestige College. But for your past efforts, we still owe you our thanks.”


    Zach’s face was all politeness and smiles, his formal address elevating James‘ status with every utterance. He <b>hadn’t </b>nned on visiting the neighbors today, but on his drive home, he had spotted a familiar car entering the neighborhood. Thanks to his sharp memory, he recognized it as the same car that had parked outside the Davis family home for an extended period one evening, from which his sister had eventually emerged.


    That car had lingered outside their house for at least twenty minutes–if the driver was just a tutor, why would his sister need to stay inside the vehicle for so long? Given the driver’s youth and his sister’s attractiveness, Zach couldn’t rule out any untoward intentions. To prevent any deception, <b>he </b>feltpelled to take immediate action.


    While Zach was speaking, James caught sight of Mirabe’s silent approach, His <b>eyes</b>, which had been bright and alert, now seemed to soften as they rested on Mirabe.


    James demeanor shifted. The cool aura around him receded as his shoulders rxed, and his expression turned almost pitiable, like someone who couldn’t fend off a bully. With a deliberate cough, he addressed Zach, his voice losing its earlier firmness, “Mr. Davis, there’s no need for formalities. I appreciate your concern.”


    Something about James‘ tone caught Zach off guard, stirring a sensation that he was the bully here. His eyes narrowed slightly, his expression clouding with confusion.


    Just moments ago, James had been so assertive. What had caused this sudden shift in attitude?