Half an hourter, Mirabe finished her acupuncture session. Nick had already drifted off on the bed, so she grabbed theforter beside her. As her eyes grazed over the skin peeking out from his slightly open cor, her hand froze.


    The scar was hideous, an undeniable reminder of the pain he must have endured. Mirabe''s expression tightened slightly as she tucked theforter around him.


    Next to her, Zach stood up, a mix of curiosity and amazement in his whisper, "That''s it? He''s all set?"


    Just a few needles and the guy is out cold?


    Mirabe nodded and then stepped aside to light some incense. The faint smell of medicinal sandalwood filled the room, creating a soothing atmosphere.


    "Zach, let''s head out," she said, picking up her silver needle case. Her face clearly conveyed, ''Don''t wake Nick.''


    Zach caught the hint, feeling a sudden, unexpected pang of jealousy. Has his little sis ever been this gentle with him?


    They quietly left the room, closing the door softly behind them. As Mirabe was about to enter the room next door, she paused, a thought crossing her mind, and turned back to Zach, "That kidnapping incident with Nick years ago, was Summer involved?"


    "Huh?" Zach was momentarily stunned but then caught on, asking, "How do you know about Nick''s past?"


    "Dad mentioned it," Mirabe replied.


    Relieved, Zach exhaled. These days, you had to be clear on what the family disclosed to Mirabe, or you might end up taking the me for something.


    He pursed his lips, his smile more mechanical than warm. "Whether she was involved or not, that''s all history now." After a beat, he added, "It''ste. Get some rest. You have sses tomorrow."


    "Okay." Seeing Zach''s demeanor, Mirabe didn''t push further. She opened her door and retreated to her room.


    Zach watched the closed door, his face shifting between light and shadow before settling into a quiet sigh.


    **


    Ever since Bernardo Gilbert learned from Mandy that the bidding was somehow tied to his former foster daughter, he had discreetly set people to investigate. After several days, they finally dug up some useful information.


    His foster daughter was indeed connected with Johnny and seemed to have some secret dealings with Owen.


    A high school senior involved with powerful people - the reasons weren''t hard to guess.


    But that wasn''t the main point. The key was that through his foster daughter, he could establish connections with both Johnny and Owen.


    Bernardo called Summer into his study.


    Sitting at his desk, he looked at his daughter with a warm expression. "Summer, how''s school goingtely?"


    Summer''s brow furrowed slightly, sensing some hidden agenda. Hesitantly, she nodded, "It''s okay, I guess. Finals areing up, so I''m busy reviewing."


    Bernardo opened a drawer and pulled out a bank card, then stood and walked over to her.


    "I''ve been tied up withpany matters and haven''t given you much attention. You girls love shopping, right? Take some time to buy yourself something nice."


    Summer''s sense of unease deepened. She knew what kind of person her biological father was, and him handing out money out of nowhere was definitely odd.


    For a moment, she didn''t reach out to take the bank card he was offering.


    "Dad, why are you suddenly giving me money..." Summer asked softly, her eyes full of confusion, "Is there something you want to talk about?"