Summer and Michelle didn''t chat for too long.


    As they stepped out of the diner, Summer seemed to remember something and turned to Michelle with a serious look. "Hey, let me give you a heads-up - stay away from Mirabe. She''s... well, she''s out of our league."


    This was the second time Michelle had heard Summer hint at Mirabe''s ''untouchable'' status. Though Summer had been dropping hints about Mirabe''s background, she never exined why.


    Curiosity piqued, Michelle, who hated half-told stories, narrowed her eyes. "Why is she untouchable? Does she have some big-shot backing her?"


    The Sharp family were well-establishedndowners in Ashford, with a legacy that even outstripped the Gilberts, and they had the powerful Pledger family of Riverdale in their corner. So, Michelle wasn''t particrly worried about the vague ''connections'' Summer mentioned.


    Taking her time, Summer slowly put on her face mask and cap, leaving only her enigmatic eyes visible. She stared at Michelle for a moment before finally saying, "Very strong."


    Michelle''s brow furrowed slightly.


    Summer''s lips twitched under her mask, and she added, "She''s got deep ties with Owen from city hall."


    With that, Summer didn''t wait for a response. She walked to the curb, slid into her car, and signaled the driver to go.


    Michelle stood there, Summer''s words echoing in her head. Owen from city hall? As someone who kept up with current events, Michelle was well aware of Owen. While the Sharps had a strong local presence and some acquaintances in government offices, their connections were at most with district chiefs - not with the city''s top official. That was a level they couldn''t reach.


    Juztin''s sister, close with Owen?


    Though skeptical, Michelle thought that if there was no truth to the rtionship, Summer wouldn''t have dared to mention Owen, especially since spreading rumors about the city''s top official wasn''t something anyone would risk. Besides, Juztin had quickly risen to the top of the music scene with a scandal-free record. It was hard to believe he had no powerful backing.


    Piecing together these clues, Summer''s ims seemed somewhat credible, but Michelle knew better than to fully trust them without further investigation.


    Collecting her thoughts, Michelle decided to reach out to a younger acquaintance from Parkside High School to get more information when she had the chance.


    **


    Mirabe had spent the entire afternoon concocting potions. It wasn''t until nearly six in the evening that she emerged from her workshop, her face showing clear signs of fatigue. She carried two small bottles in her hands.


    Rubbing her temples, she wandered over to the living room couch and copsed onto it, leaning back and letting out a heavy sigh.


    Nick was sitting across the room, his book set aside as he looked at Mirabe. "Mom said you''ve been cooped up all afternoon with your gadgets?"


    "Yep," Mirabe murmured, taking a few seconds to gather her energy before sitting up straight.


    She handed one of the bottles to Nick. "This is a new sleep remedy I came up with. Give it a try tonight, just one pill."


    Surprise flickered across Nick''s face as he took the bottle, unscrewing the cap to take in the aromatic scent of the herbs - though he had no idea what they were, not being familiar with alternative medicine.


    Holding the bottle, Nick felt a warmth in his chest, and a rare, faint smile appeared on his usually stoic face. "Thanks, Mirabe."


    Raising an eyebrow, Mirabe then handed him the second bottle. "This one''s for Chester. It''s for chronic ailments. I don''t have his address, so could you send it to him when you get a chance?"


    After all, she thought, one good turn deserves another.