In the car, Mirabe made herselffortable in the back seat.


    "How''s school treating you?" Grady, seated in the passenger seat, nced at her through the rearview mirror. His usually stern expression had softened the moment Mirabe got in.


    Though they hadn''t spent much time together, their interactions were always easygoing, much like how an elder and younger family member naturally get along.


    Open and rxed, Mirabe was a stark contrast to her brothers. The difference was more than just slight.


    "I''m getting there," Mirabe replied, her posture still reflecting the military discipline she had acquired from weeks of training camp. It gave her an air of dignity.


    Seeing this, Grady felt a sense of pride. This was exactly how a Davis family member should carry themselves.


    After a moment''s thought, Grady casually suggested, "Riverdale can be a bit tricky. I was thinking about getting you some self-defense lessons. What do you think?"


    Mirabe lightly tapped her fingers on her knee and politely declined. "Thanks, Grady, but I feel pretty safe already."


    Grady coughed slightly at her response. There were things about the Davis family she didn''t know yet. How could he exin that her sense of safety might be misced?


    "It''s always good for a girl to know a bit of self-defense," he added after a while.


    Mirabe looked down, acknowledged with a hum, but still declined.


    iming to be a decathlete in such situations would sound unbelievable to anyone.


    Seeing her reluctance, Grady didn''t push further. With As around, she was unlikely to face much trouble.


    They exchanged a few more words before Grady turned his attention back to the window, absently fingering the wooden beads on his wrist.


    In the side mirror, he noticed a car that had been tailing them. His expression remained calm, but a sharpness entered his gaze.


    As, having noticed the trailing car early on, nced at Grady. Seeing his usualposure but sensing the underlying alertness, he didn''t say anything. He knew exactly how to handle such situations.


    The Davis family''s business had far-reaching interests, naturally attracting rivals.


    As pressed the elerator slightly, increasing the car''s speed.


    Mirabe noticed the change, furrowed her brows thoughtfully, and looked out the window, her gaze distant.


    Riverdale''s traffic was notoriously congested, but As, being a skilled driver, easily overtook several cars and turned a corner, effortlessly shaking off the car that had been following them.


    As found it odd; he had been prepared for a confrontation, having strategized for an encounter with their rivals.


    Checking the rearview mirror, he thought, "That''s it? Who sent such a fool?"


    He shook his head in disappointment and casually slowed down the car.


    **


    Left behind, Little Zhu clenched his fist and hit the steering wheel, watching the


    traffic jam ahead and cursing under his breath.


    He hadn''t anticipated losing them so easily.


    "It''s just a regr driver, right? How could I lose him?" he wondered, puzzled.


    Stuck in traffic for another half hour,


    Little Zhu had no choice but to call Kitty and then head to the hospital, his mission unaplished