In the school''s broadcast booth, two students were huddled over their


    microphones, whispering to each other in the cozy space. By the window stood a woman wrapped in a camel-colored trench coat, her hand casually holding a designer handbag.


    As Mirabe stepped into the room, the student broadcasters instantly noticed


    her. They were her ssmates, and she was somewhat of a legend in their senior year.


    "Mirabe, the brainiac, graces us with her presence," one said, nodding in recognition.


    Mirabe responded with a polite nod of her own.


    It was then that Mandy, who had been gazing out the window, turned to face the


    door. Her eyes softened at the sight of Mirabe. "Mira," she said gently.


    Mirabe shot Mandy a cool nce, a chill running down her spine at the unexpected warmth in Mandy''s voice.


    One of the students was from a regr ss while the other was from the Prodigy ss. The Prodigy ss student knew Mandy well-she was Summer''s biological mother.


    Marian had a knack for making her presence felt at every parent-teacher meeting, impossible to forget even if one tried.


    But why was Summer''s mother here to see Mirabe?


    The forums had buzzed with spection about the rtionship between Mirabe and Summer after somepetition drama, but no conclusions had been drawn. Now, curiosity filled the room.


    Despite their interest, the students sensed it was time to leave the booth, making a quiet exit and leaving the space to the two women.


    With the students gone, Mandy approached Mirabe. "Mira," she called again.


    Mirabe touched her earlobe and stepped back. "If you have something to say, say it."


    Mandy seemed ustomed to such a cold reception, her smile unwavering. "I might have been harsh before, so I want to make amends..."


    Mirabe raised her hand to interrupt. "Excuse me, whose mother are you?" Mandy''s smile faltered for a moment.


    Mirabe''s lips quirked into a half-smile. "Youe here calling yourself ''mom,'' but where does that leave your daughter Summer?"


    "No matter what, you''ve been part of the Gilbert family for years. Don''t you feel any affection at all?" Mandy tried to keep her voice low.


    Mirabe''s gaze was icy, her smile mocking. "Are you sure it was the Gilbert family I lived with all these years?"


    "My mother, your grandmother, took care of you for so long. You can''t deny that," Mandy said, her eyes shifting away.


    Mirabe nodded. "So, what does that have to do with you? As a parent, you even use your own daughter Delh to your advantage. You must be very proud."


    Realization dawned on Mandy. Catherine must have called her.


    Impatiently flicking her fingers, Mirabe spoke dismissively. "I didn''te here to listen to your nonsense. If you have a shred of decency, don''t drag your family''s dirty tricks into the life of an elderly woman who deserves peace."


    With that, Mirabe turned to leave.


    As Mandy''s face flushed with anger and embarrassment, she thought of something and her facade of gentleness fell away. "Tell me, that city contract, did you sabotage it? Our family had a strong chance at winning that bid. Was it you, afraid of the Gilbert family''s sess, meddling behind the scenes?"


    Mirabe, already at the door, paused and looked back at Mandy in confusion.


    Mandy stepped closer, her voice using. "It''s you, isn''t it? You''re the one who''s been undermining us!"


    Mirabe, already at the door, paused and looked back at Mandy in confusion.