Mirabe shook her head, looking serious. "I think this boring major is just right for me."


    Grady''s heart sank. "Your parents didn''t object?"


    "No," Mirabe replied.


    In fact, when she had mentioned wanting to study biology, her parents couldn''t hide their joy, almost as if they were afraid she might choose a more popr major.


    Grady pressed his fingers to his temples, lost for words. He''d made countless ns for Mirabe to ace her finals, never expecting her to follow in Nick''s footsteps and go into scientific research.


    He was convinced that Zach and thedy of the house were behind this, going to great lengths to prevent Mirabe from taking over the family business. It was too much.


    Seeing Grady''s crestfallen expression, Mirabe asked, "Grady?"


    Grady looked at her, remembering that she could double major in college. Not giving up, he suggested, "Biology does sound a bit dull. Have you thought about picking up a second major?"


    Mirabe took another sip of her coffee, recalling the earnest invitation from the physics professor at Prestige College. She nodded. "Yes, I have."


    Grady''s spirits lifted. "Have you decided on the second major?"


    "Yes, physics," Mirabe replied, quicker than when she''d mentioned biology.


    Physics? Still research! Before Grady could suggest finance, trade, or economics, he was left speechless. "???"


    He felt his blood pressure rising.


    After a moment, he asked, "Why physics for your second major?" His voice was filled with resignation.


    Mirabe was silent for a minute before looking up, slightly embarrassed. "You mightugh at my reason, Grady."


    She cleared her throat. "The physics department offers a lot of schrships each year."


    Grady was dumbfounded.


    What kind of reason was that???


    He wanted to argue that inheriting the family business would be more lucrative, but Mirabe cut him off.


    "So, Grady, you don''t need to persuade me. I''ve chosen these two majors and I''m not considering anything else," she said firmly.


    Grady couldn''t recall how he felt as he dropped Mirabe off at home. All he could think was: schrships over the family business? It was a crushing blow.


    **


    Time flew by, and soon it was almost the start of the school year.


    Inte August, amid the reluctant goodbyes from Delh and Shawn, Mirabe pulled her suitcase and boarded the ne to Riverdale.


    Nick had been busy but managed to squeeze out two days toe pick up Mirabe.


    August in Riverdale was scorching. As soon as the siblings stepped off the ne, a wave of heat hit them, only easing once they entered the airport.


    Mirabe had barely turned on her phone when James called. She answered, "I just got off the ne. Which exit are you at? OK, I''ll be out in a few minutes."


    She nced at Nick, who was pulling his suitcase beside her, and added, "Oh, and I forgot to tell you, Nick is here too."


    James, waiting in the parking lot, was momentarily silent. After hanging up, he nced at the ck cars behind him and quietly instructed Wyatt, leading to four ck cars slowly driving out of the parking lot.