As they rounded the corner, Ben nced out the window again, his eyes deep and contemtive, lingering until the car in the rearview mirror was no longer visible. Only then did he press the button to close the window.


    Meanwhile, Mirabe''s fingers drummed an erratic rhythm on her knee, her gaze still fixed outside. She seemedpletely unfazed by the sight of Ben.


    James, seemingly unaware of the earlier moment, nced up at Mirabe. "I''ve got somethingter, so I''ll drop you home first," he said.


    Mirabe finally turned her gaze away from the window, nodding as she closed it. "Okay, you go ahead."


    James responded with a soft hum.


    Not long after, his phone rang. He nced at the caller ID, then promptly put on his headset and answered.


    It was Curtis, who got straight to the point. "James, are you with Ms. Mirabe right now?"


    "Yeah," James replied, his light-colored outfit making him look even more aloof. "What''s up? Just spill it."


    "We''ve got awork issue over at Sam''s that I can''t fix. I think Ms. Mirabe could help, but I messaged her on Messenger and she didn''t reply," Curtis exined quickly.


    James paused for a moment, then said, "I''ll ask her." He nced at Mirabe. "Mirabe, you free tonight?"


    Hearing her name in that low, familiar voice, Mirabe paused, then nodded. "...I should be."


    "Alright," James told Curtis, e by in forty minutes."


    Curtis agreed with obvious relief.


    After hanging up, James removed his headset and tossed it aside. "Could you do me a favor?"


    As he spoke, he signaled to turn, redirecting the car towards Defense District Street.


    Mirabe nced at him; it was clear he hadn''t given her much of a choice.


    "For a fee, of course," James added.


    Initially lounging in her seat, Mirabe straightened up at his words. "Sure, what do you need help with?"


    James''s cheeks twitched slightly before he replied, "Just fixing awork issue."


    Mirabe raised an eyebrow. "Curtis can''t handle it again?"


    "He''d go into hiding if he heard you," James chuckled lightly.


    Mirabe pressed a finger to her forehead, brushing away her bangs with a stylish move. "People grow through challenges."


    James just gave her a look and said nothing more.


    Thirty minutester, the car pulled up to the side entrance of the National Security Building.


    Curtis, having timed their arrival perfectly, was already waiting outside. Seeing James''s car approach, he quickly stood up and walked over.


    Hearing the car unlock, he respectfully opened the driver''s side door, then walked around the car to open the door for Mirabe as she was about to step out.


    "Ms. Mirabe," Curtis greeted with a slight nod.


    Mirabe nodded back, stepping out and looking towards the imposing door ahead.


    The thick metal door at the entrance gleamed with a mix of majesty and cold light, the solid walls adorned with infrared sensors and cameras pointed directly at her.


    Mirabe remained silent for a moment until James joined her side. She then looked up at him. "This is where we''re fixing thework issue?"