Mandy had hoped to y the family card, but seeing her foster daughter''s icy demeanor, it was clear that not even the thought of Catherine could sway her.


    How utterly heartless.


    Mandy took a deep breath, trying to calm her growing frustration. "Are you really so determined to forget everything we''ve been through?"


    Mirabe''s face remained cold and indifferent. "I have no idea what you''re talking about."


    With that, she walked out of the broadcast room.


    Outside, two students who had been lingering near the door exchanged puzzled nces; they hadn''t really caught the gist of the conversation, but Mirabe''s stoic expression said enough.


    Mandy hurried after her.


    Mirabe moved quickly, her strides purposeful as she headed down the hallway towards the office area.


    From Mr. Hammond''s office, a group of sharply dressed individuals emerged, exuding an air of authority and seriousness.


    "Mr. Hammond, the year-end report for the Department of Education is confirmed then. Your Parkside High School..." The Superintendent was mid-conversation with Mr. Hammond, asionally ncing at Johnny, who was busy sending messages on his phone. Upon spotting a familiar figure, Johnny quickly put away his phone and made his way towards the hallway corner.


    The Superintendent paused, curious about Johnny''s sudden change in focus.


    Mr. Hammond followed their gaze and saw Mirabe.


    "Ms. Mirabe."


    Just as she was about to head towards the academic building, Mirabe heard Johnny''s voice, stopping in her tracks and turning slightly. "Johnny?"


    The authoritative air around Johnny softened as he approached her, a polite smile on his face. "Just here for some business."


    Given his status, he didn''t need to go out of his way to greet her, but considering her close ties with the Shepherd family and her role in saving Owen, Johnny saw an opportunity to strengthen their connection in the rtively quiet school grounds.


    Mirabe noticed Mr. Hammond nearby and, understanding the situation, politely excused herself. "Then, I won''t keep you."


    "I''m actually about done here. If I recall correctly, you''re a senior, right?" Johnny, finding a moment to spare, engaged in some small talk.


    Mirabe, not one for many words, simply nodded.


    At this point, Mr. Hammond and his group approached. "Johnny, you know Mirabe from our school?"


    Mr. Hammond''s surprise was evident.


    Johnny casually confirmed, "We met by chance."


    Hearing this, Mr. Hammond chuckled. "The student I was just telling you about, the one who has consistently brought honor to our city, is Mirabe. She''s likely to be next year''s valedictorian."


    The Superintendent, intrigued by this, looked up at Mirabe in astonishment.


    His visit with Johnny to Parkside High School was part of the annual education policy review, with year-end performance summaries on the agenda. If next year''s valedictorian emerged from their city, it would significantly impact the provincial education authorities'' evaluations.


    Meanwhile, Mandy had caught up. She hesitated upon seeing the group but approached with a practiced smile. "Johnny, Mr. Hammond."


    Not recognizing the Superintendent but sensing his official stature, Mandy nodded politely in his direction as well.