As looked calm, the worry that had clouded his face earlier now gone. He


    turned his head, gazing out the car window, and said in a steady voice, "No need."


    His subordinate nodded and asked, "Should we head back now?"


    "Yeah." As leaned back in his seat, just closing his eyes when his phone buzzed in his pocket.


    It was Nick.


    As pulled out his phone and answered quickly. This time, he didn''t hold back, briefly exining the night''s events and assuring that the youngdy was now safe and would be home soon.


    **


    In the car.


    Mirabe sat upright, hands on her knees, her fingertips asionally twirling together in a restless dance. She looked both calm and obedient.


    James drove in silence, the atmosphere in the car especially serene.


    It wasn''t until they entered the residential area and the car didn''t head towards her building that Mirabe turned to look at James, "This isn''t the way to my ce."


    "Yeah." James responded softly, eyes fixed on the road ahead.


    Seeing his reaction, Mirabe decided to stay quiet.


    Okay, he seemed a bit different today.


    A bit dangerous.


    Better to y it safe and not provoke him.


    Soon, the car pulled into the garage of James''s vi. He parked, then got out and walked over to her side, opening the door for her.


    Mirabe, seeing James''s actions, suddenly felt reluctant to get out.


    James rested his hand on the door frame, raising an eyebrow in a yful manner, "Want me to carry you?"


    At that, Mirabe quickly jumped out of the car, "What are you joking about? I can walk."


    "Heh." James let out a lightugh, somewhat regretfully closing the door.


    Mirabe touched her nose, standing beside him.


    James nced at her, then reached out to grab her wrist, "Come inside with me." Saying so, he led her into the house.


    Once inside, he guided her to sit on the sofa before letting go and heading to the side hall.


    Shortly after, he returned with a small first aid kit, sitting down beside her. He opened the kit and took out some antiseptic wipes.


    Mirabe watched his movements, about to speak, when she heard his voice, "Your hand."


    "Hm?" Mirabe blinked, not yetprehending, when her right hand was suddenly in James''s grasp.


    Her curled fingers were gently unfolded by James, turning over to reveal the back of her fair hand. The swelling and reddened skin, with a few spots of broken skin


    where the blood had clotted, wasn''trge but was visibly apparent.


    Mirabe coughed lightly, saying softly, "It''s just a small injury."


    Compared to her, those who had been beaten were the real unlucky ones.


    James, hearing Mirabe''s words, only looked up at her for a moment.


    That gaze made Mirabe... immediately close her mouth.


    James took the antiseptic wipe, bowing his head to tend to the wound on her hand with focused care.


    No one spoke in the living room, filled with a quiet atmosphere, where something else seemed to be brewing in the silence.


    Two minutester, James released her hand, tidying up the first aid kit while advising, "Don''t let it get wet for the next few days."


    Mirabe, now freed, quickly nodded, unusuallypliant.


    James methodically ced the first aid kit on the coffee table, then lifted his head


    to look at her with a half-smile, his voice light, "You''re quite formidable on your own."