In the private dining room of the restaurant, Mirabe stood up slightly to pour coffee for James, who had just taken his seat.


    James tapped his fingers lightly on the tabletop, his stern expression softening as he looked up at Mirabe. "What made you think of inviting me out for dinner all of a sudden?"


    Mirabe leaned backzily in her chair. "The food here is pretty good."


    "Is that all?" James lifted his coffee cup and took a sip, his voice carrying a hint of wistfulness.


    Raising an eyebrow, Mirabe thought for a moment before responding, "School''s starting soon, and I probably won''t have much time to go out."


    Two weeks of military training didn''t leave much room for leisure.


    James nodded, understanding. "Have you enrolled at the school yet?"


    "Yeah, this morning," Mirabe replied casually, her fingers toying with the ne around her neck, her demeanor rxed.


    James took another sip of his coffee, his dark eyes deep in thought.


    Just then, a server knocked and entered to serve the dishes, quickly leaving after setting the table.


    "Give it a try. If you like it, we cane back another time," Mirabe said, sitting up straight and picking up her fork, motioning for James to start eating.


    A smile tugged at James'' lips, his voice low and husky. "Alright."


    "By the way, how''s Donald doing?" Mirabe asked casually as she speared a piece of steak, making a token inquiry.


    James looked at Mirabe. "He mentioned you a couple of days ago, wanting to invite you over for dinner at our ce."


    Without looking up, Mirabe waved a hand dismissively. "I really don''t have the time, but thank him for me."


    James had expected this response and didn''t press further.


    After the meal, Mirabe went to the restroom. Upon returning, she headed to the front desk to pay, only to be told by the servering from the room that the bill had already been settled.


    Hearing this, Mirabe paused, her fingers halting on her smartphone screen. She turned it off and put it back in her pocket before heading back to the dining room.


    "I said I''d treat you," Mirabe sighed as she picked up her purse from the chair.


    James raised an eyebrow, standing up. "Next time then."


    "That''s a trick," Mirabemented yfully.


    James nodded, his gaze fixed on Mirabe''s face, serious and intense. "How else do you catch a fish?"


    Mirabe''s lips twitched, but she said nothing more and turned to walk away.


    Behind her, James watched her leave, a slight smile on his lips.


    As they exited the restaurant, James nced at his watch and turned to


    Mirabe. "What are your ns for the afternoon?"


    Thinking of the smart home gadgets waiting for her at home, Mirabe replied casually, "Just... going home to rx."


    "I''ll drive you then," James offered.


    "No need, I''ve got a ride," Mirabe said, noticing his nce at the watch. She messaged As right after speaking.


    Seeing this, James pondered for a moment but didn''t insist.


    Within minutes, As pulled up in his car. Mirabe waved at James before quickly getting in.


    As the car drove away, James finally headed to the parking lot to leave.


    In the car, As nced in the rearview mirror, genuinely curious about how the


    youngdy knew someone from the Shepherd family. He had tried looking into it before, but nothing concrete hade up.