After wrapping up her conversation with Vincent, Mirabe tucked her phone away and nced out the car window.


    Ahead was an intersection with a traffic light, currently red, bringing the car to a halt.


    Mirabe stared at the rearview mirror, lost in thought for a few moments, then turned to the driver. "Can you drop me off at the next corner, please?"


    The driver nced at her, unusually amodating. "You sure you don''t want a ride all the way home?"


    Mirabe pressed her lips together. "Not today, got something to handle."


    Luckily, the area wasn''t too remote, so the driver nodded. "Alright, be safe out there, youngdy."


    With a hum of acknowledgment, Mirabe turned her attention back to the window.


    Soon, the car pulled over, and Mirabe stepped out.


    She stood at the curb, not bothering to hail another ride. Her tall, slender frame leanedzily in a particr direction, as if waiting for someone.


    As, watching her from afar, instinctively slowed down. "Mr. Grady, she''s gotten out."


    Grady had noticed too. After a brief pause, he said, "Drive over."


    If his instincts were right, she was waiting for them.


    A flicker of curiosity crossed Grady''s face.


    As nced at his boss but didn''t question him, following the order to drive forward.


    The ck sedan rolled to a stop in front of Mirabe, the sound of the car unlocking filling the air a momentter.


    Grady had stopped fidgeting with his wooden bracelet and slipped it back onto his wrist. Clearing his throat, he turned to As with a serious question. "I don''t look too intimidating, do I?"


    They''d bumped into her in the elevator before, but it wasn''t a formal introduction.


    As paused for a beat. "Maybe try smiling a bit more."


    Grady attempted an awkward smile. "Like this?"


    As''s face twitched. "...Or maybe don''t smile."


    Someone usually so imposing, suddenly smiling, looked rather unsettling.


    Grady shot As a cold look, then unbuckled his seatbelt, took a deep breath, and stepped out of the car.


    It was barely past six in the summer evening, still too early for the darkness to settle in.


    The tall, slim girl stood there, exuding azy and casual vibe. Her bright eyes were fearless as she raised her eyebrows slightly at the middle-aged man getting out of the car. Her voice carried a hint of sweetness. "Grady?"


    Grady, usuallyposed, couldn''t hide a moment of excitement. "You recognize me?"


    Mirabe gave a soft hum in acknowledgment. She''d already made the connection during a chance encounter at the hospital. His demeanor matched that of the finance team misled by Delh, making his identity obvious.


    Grady tightened his grip, trying to look more friendly.


    However, conversation wasn''t his strong suit, and he seemed even more nervous. Clearing his throat, he nced away and casually asked, "You passed your driving test, right?"


    Mirabe''s eyebrows lifted slightly, but she didn''t question his detailed knowledge. "Yeah, I passed."


    Grady nodded. People passing by asionally cast curious nces, likely due to his imposing presence. He then subtly stepped aside, suggesting, "Let''s talk in the car."