Mirabe, not noticing Nick''s expression, helped Catherine up the steps and casually asked, "What''s he back for?"


    "Just dropping by to check on this olddy," Catherine chuckled, her eyes lighting up with a fond memory. "James is a good man, really. Since I got back, he''s visited me quite a few times."


    Mirabe''s eyebrows shot up in surprise; she had never heard that guy mention any of this.


    She nodded, "Yeah, a good man."


    Nick nced at his sister and Catherine, his eyes slightly downcast. A good man? He doubted they''d ever seen James''s other, more ruthless side.


    "Didn''t James use to live next door? That house must''ve fallen into disrepair,pletely uninhabitable now, so I let him stay with us," Catherine added.


    Mirabe blinked, recalling that the neighboring house didn''t seem uninhabitable when she passed by earlier.


    By now, Catherine had moved into the living room, pulling out a pair of brand-new men''s slippers for Nick. "Mirabe, the ce is a bit modest, hope you don''t mind."


    Nick nodded politely, "Grandma, please, it''s quite nice here."


    Walking into the house, the building did show its age, but the living room, while notvishly furnished, was meticulously clean and tidy a testament to Catherine''s attention to detail.


    Catherine gestured for Nick to sit down and then mumbled something about James checking on the stove before heading to the kitchen.


    Mirabe let her go, casually grabbing disposable cups from a cab and filling them with warm water. Handing one to Nick, she paused for a moment before saying, "Nick, if you''re notfortable here, I can book a hotel for you tonight."


    Nick, holding the cup but not drinking, just looked at Mirabe. "Do I seem like the type to fuss?"


    Besides, if the Shepherd family could stay here, why couldn''t he?


    Mirabe leaned against the wooden sofa armrest, shaking her head with a smile. "Are James and Catherine close?" Nick asked casually.


    After a brief thought, Mirabe nodded, "Seems like it. Catherine is quite fond of him."


    After all, Catherine preferred to turn to James over her for help a clear sign of trust.


    Nick''s lips twitched slightly at that.


    Winning over the elderly and gaining the trust of family members indeed, one shouldn''t underestimate such scheming men with ulterior motives.


    "Nick, sit tight. I''ll take the luggage upstairs," Mirabe said after finishing her water, picking up her suitcase to head upstairs.


    Nick wanted to offer help, but Mirabe declined.


    Then, James followed Catherine from the kitchen, both carrying dishes.


    James met Nick''s sharp gaze, understanding the unspoken challenge. He pursed his lips, setting the dish on the table while offering a polite and friendly greeting, "Nick, good to see you."


    Nick, hearing his own name, frowned slightly. After a brief pause, he hummed in acknowledgment.


    Catherine nced at both men before signaling James to stop helping, then she returned to the kitchen for more tes and cutlery.


    Suddenly, only James and Nick were left in the room.


    To be continued...