After catching up with Summer yesterday, Michelle couldn''t resist ringing up a younger buddy from Parkside High School. The intel she gathered about the local legend pretty much aligned with what Summer had mentioned.


    Turns out, this Mirabe girl really did have the grades to back up her rep.


    Feeling Michelle''s gaze on her, Mirabe, who was mid-conversation with Hans and the others, casually lifted her head and gave Michelle a cool nce.


    This chick had been eyeballing her all day.


    Those eyes didn''t exactly scream ''friendly intentions.''


    Michelle mulled it over for a few seconds, then in a soft tone said, "Hey, sis, the livestream''s off, and there''s no camera pointed at us. We''ve been on this show together for a while now, but we''ve never seen you without your mask. How about it?"


    It made sense when there were cameras around that she''d want to keep it on, but now, in private... if she refused, it would seem a bit too much like a put-on.


    Michelle''s smile held a hint of mischief.


    Herment hung in the air, and you could practically hear the momentary freeze in the atmosphere.


    Hans cast a nce at Michelle, his brows knitting together slightly. The kid sure knew how to stir the pot.


    If Mirabe from the Davis family had wanted to show her face, she would''ve done it seasons ago. Why wait until now?


    Michelle''s question felt like a verbal trap.


    After a brief pause, Hans stepped in to smooth things over: "Actually, I think the mystery adds a cool touch."


    Mirabe raised an eyebrow at Hans, appreciating his tactful intervention.


    The Gabriel brothers, curious though they were about Mirabe''s looks, read the room and quickly chimed in agreement with Hans.


    Seeing this, Michelle couldn''t help feeling sour. Were these guys blind or what? Why were they all jumping to the defense of someone who was just ying high and mighty?


    Just then, Leo let out a soft chuckle, "If my sister took off her mask, some folks might feel a bit inferior."


    The dig at Michelle''s expense was crystal clear.


    Without the constraints of the show, Leo wasn''t about to pull punches, especially when his sister was the one being called out.


    As if Michelle was even worthy of seeing his sister''s face!


    Michelle''splexion went from pale to flushed in an instant. She bit her lip, at a loss for words.


    "Let''s go, Collins is waiting outside," Mirabe said, pocketing her phone and addressing Leo without giving Michelle another nce.


    Then, turning to Hans and the Gabriels, she added politely, "My brother and I will be heading out, but once the season wraps up, we should all grab a meal together."


    Hans and the Gabriels didn''t miss the subtext. After a look at Heather and Michelle, they agreed to the n.


    Soon enough, Mirabe and Leo left the scene.


    Heather and Michelle stood there, awkwardness written all over them.


    *


    It wasn''t long before the two cousins were in their car, faces stormy.


    "You just had to stir the pot with that country girl, didn''t you? Tell me, how awkward was that?" Heather massaged her temples, visibly annoyed with Michelle.


    She had told her cousin countless times not to take a country girl so seriously. The live show had gone smoothly enough, but in the end, Michelle had managed to embarrass herself - and Heather by association.


    Heather shook her head; sometimes she thought her cousin was just too daft.


    Michelle bit her lip. "How was I supposed to know Hans and the others would jump to Mirabe''s defense?"


    "You''re being foolish," Heather said bluntly.


    Ack of poise was not bing of ady of their standing.


    Knowing Heather was upset, Michelle wisely kept her mouth shut and looked down at her phone.