<b>Zach </b>shook off the quirky thoughts swirling in his mind and carried on, “Look, Mr. James, just as long as you get the picture. My sister is young, right in the throes of her teenage years, all doe-eyed and impressionable. She’s easy to lead astray
From behind, Mirabe was unmistakenly stunned. Did she hear that correctly?
Right, gotcha,” James nced at Mirabe, murmuring an acknowledgment before dropping his <b>gaze</b>, concealing whatever was ying across his features.
Seeing this. Zach uncrossed his legs, preparing to rise and take his leave, when suddenly he felt a weight on his shoulder. Startled, he slowly lifted his head to meet Mimbe’s smirk.
Holy moly. When did his sister sneak up on him? And how did he not hear a peep?
at brings you here?”
It took him a moment to collect himself before he managed an awkward grin. “N
“If I hadn’te, I wouldn’t know just how much my big brother cares about me, Mirabe said, her <b>voice </b>airy.
Zach felt a shiver down his spine at her tone, legs going wobbly. He babbled without a clue, “Ha… Mira, looking out for you is my job as your brother
He totally chickened out, a far cry from the cocksure attitude he had just moments ago.
Wyatt, pretending to mop nearby, almost tripped over his bucket at the scene. It looked like that was just a facade.
“Wow, quite the leisure you have, Zach, running over here to dote on me,” Mirabe <b>nodded </b>solemnly, her hand kneading his shoulder intermittently.
The firm but gentle pressure on his shoulder made Zach’s posture wilt. “Ahem, Mira, I just came to thank your tutor. Honest, no funny business.”
With that, Zach turned to James. “Mr. James, as her tutor, you know what I’m <b>talking </b><b>about</b><b>, </b>right?”
However, when Zach looked at James, he was met with the same helpless and pitiful‘ facade, followed by a wistful remark, “Your brother’s right 11l be more mindful in the future.”
Zach couldn’t help but nce back at his Mira, noticing theughter in her eyes growing deeper. His heart skipped a beat, fearing she might’ve misunderstood his reasons for showing up
Zach, you’re really pushing it.” Mirabe shook her head, sighing lightly.
Zach muttered, “No, listen, Mira, it’s not what you
think.”
Mirabe finally withdrew her hand and added, “Dad’s been wanting to invite my tutor over for dinner. After your stunt today, what do you think he’d say?”
Hearing this, Zach’s eyelids twitched, as he recalled the mixed doubles scolding he’d just survived. He shuddered at the thought.
Then, looking up at James, it finally clicked why the ‘pretty boy‘ <b>had </b>changed his tune so abruptly – he was putting on <b>a </b>show in front of Mirabe.
Zach was livid. Normally, he was the one pulling the strings, but today, the tables had turned, <b>and </b>he was the one being yed!