<b>Chapter </b><b>551 </b>
<b>James </b>caught Zach’s almost predatory re and cleared his throat as he stood up, offering a timely exnation, “Your brother <b>didn’t </b><b>mean </b><b>any </b>harm<b>, </b><b>really</b>.<b>” </b>
Zach, forced to maintain a smile despite feeling wronged, was wordless. Jerk.
Mirabe nced <b>at </b>James with a half–smirk.
<b>James</b>, his gaze cool andposed<b>, </b>didn’t reply. Instead, he walked over to a nearby cab, pulled open a drawer, and retrieved <b>two </b>books. “Here, these are for you.”
Mirabe raised an eyebrow, her gaze dropping to the books being handed to her, the titles emzoned <b>in </b>French. Tranted, they read: Clinical Psychology.
She reached out to ept the books, a set of two volumes, untranted French editions. Somewhat surprised<b>, </b>she looked up. “How did you <b>know </b>I’ve been into this subjecttely?”
“I heard you mention itst time,” James‘ voice was calm and detached<b>, </b>his tall figure exuding an air of effortless elegance and nobility. Recalling a conversation they had during a car ride from the library, Mirabe hadn’t given it much thought at the time. “These volumes are hard toe by. Thanks.”
James watched her, his lips barely parting. “You’re wee.”
Zach, who suddenly felt like he had be invisible on the couch, quickly got up and asked, “What books<b>?</b><b>” </b>
Mirabe tilted her head and lifted the books so he could see the covers. Upon seeing the French titles, Zach’s expression instantly crumpled. Damn, they were totally iprehensible.
Though curious about the books‘ contents, Zach pretended to understand in the presence of James and said dismissively, “Just French stuff<b>, </b>huh? Next time, <b>I’ll </b>bring you a whole pile of these.”
Mirabe simply nced at him. “Zach, I think it’s better if you don’t talk.”
Feeling snubbed by his sister, Zach averted his eyes, and as he hung his head, he caught sight of the slippers on his sister’s feet, then looked at James‘ slippers. They were identical pairs, different colors.
He then nced at his own feet, and his mind buzzed loudly. After a moment, he looked up <b>at </b>James<b>, </b>his eyes sharpening like knives. This bastard definitely has designs on my sister!‘
James, sensing the hostility, looked up, puzzled.
Zach red fiercely at James before turning to his sister. “Mira, let’s switch shoes.”
Mirabe was stunned,pletely baffled. What was Zach on about now?
“Come <b>on</b><b>, </b>you wear mine,” Zach said seriously as if fearing she wouldn’tply. He took off his shoes and ced them in front <b>of </b>her. If some jerk wanted to take advantage of his Mira, they’d have to get past him first!
Mirabe couldn’tprehend Zach’s actions. Despite his insistence<b>, </b>Mirabe eventually agreed to swap her slippers.
<b>Girls</b>‘ shoes were naturally petite and delicate. Watching Zach forcefully squeeze into them with his heels still hanging off the edge, Mirabe massaged her temples. This was just too much to watch.
Though his feet were ufortable, Zach felt a sense of satisfaction. He finally seemed content, lifting his chin proudly and giving James <b>a </b>defiant look.
James‘ gaze briefly swept over the pink slippers on Zach’s feet, and the corner of his mouth twitched involuntarily.