Owen stood up and casually walked over to Mirabe, shing a friendly smile. "Ms. Mirabe," he greeted her, dripping with politeness.


    Mirabe nodded slightly and gestured towards Zach, who seemed a bit out of it. "This is my brother, Zach."


    Owen extended his hand. "Owen. Nice to meet you, Mr. Davis."


    Still a bit confused, Zach shook Owen''s hand.


    Soon enough, everyone took their seats.


    While they were looking at the menu, Zach leaned over and tugged on his sister''s


    sleeve. "How do you know this Owen guy?" he asked, clearly puzzled.


    He had thought it was Autumn who wanted to get closer to his sister, but it seemed he had read the situation wrong.


    Mirabe took a leisurely sip from her coffee cup and replied calmly, "I treated him once."


    Zach had missed Linnea''s visit that day, so he was out of the loop. The idea of his sister treating the mayor seemed almost unbelievable. Could she really be that skilled?


    He watched his sister in silent awe.


    "Ms. Mirabe, I hope my mother didn''t bother you too much when she visited the other day," Owen said, remembering how Mirabe preferred her privacy during the follow-up visit.


    Mirabe shrugged it off. "No big deal."


    Owenughed and turned to Zach, striking up an easy conversation with him, keeping things friendly.


    Zach was used to high-profile events, but having dinner with someone as influential as Owen, a top figure in the city''s political scene, was a first for him. Initially, he was nervous, but seeing his sister soposed as if Owen were just another guy-helped him rx. He couldn''t embarrass her.


    After the meal, Owen even exchanged contact information with Zach, leaving him feeling quite honored.


    Their afternoon at Parkside High School had been a real emotional rollercoaster.


    As they left the private dining room, Autumn turned to Mirabe in the hallway. "Hey Mira, got time this afternoon? Want to go shopping?"


    She had invited Mirabe to lunch to thank her for curing Emmitt''s illness.


    With Zach off to the restroom, Mirabe tilted her head, her delicate features catching the light, and declined. "I should probably pass. Finals areing up, and I need to study."


    Autumn looked a bit disappointed but didn''t push it. She turned to Owen, who had put on a face mask to hide his recognizable features. "Emmitt, I''ll go settle the bill."


    Owen''s face was often on the news, so he had to be cautious when out in public ces like restaurants.


    "Sure," he nodded.


    Autumn quickly headed to the front desk.


    Now, only Mirabe and Owen were left in the hallway. Luckily, the private


    restaurant wasn''t too busy at midday, so they were mostly unnoticed.


    Still waiting for Zach, Mirabe chatted casually with Owen, her hands in her


    jacket pockets, her head slightly bowed, looking rxed.


    Suddenly, she sensed something and looked up at the restaurant''srge windows.


    Outside stood a shady figure with a camera, the lens aimed right at her. Mirabe frowned.


    Owen noticed her change in demeanor and followed her gaze. The paparazzo, realizing he might have been spotted, quickly turned and walked away briskly.