Mirabe touched the tip of her nose, feeling a sudden rush of vulnerability, as if her secrets wereid bare. But she quickly straightened her back, shaking off the feeling. What was there to be guilty about?


    James''s lips twitched into a slight smile, but he didn''t call her out. He tucked his phone back into his pocket, stood up straight, and said, "Alright, I''ll walk you home."


    Not wanting to make things awkward, Mirabe nodded stiffly and trailed behind him. They walked slowly through the meticulously maintained garden, one after the other. The gentle night breeze caressed their faces, bringing a hint of chill. In October, Riverdale''s nighttime temperatures could be quite different from the daytime.


    James held the front door open and let Mirabe go first. But as she passed by, he reached out and grabbed her hand, "Cold?" he asked.


    Mirabe, who had been gazing downwards, was taken aback and mumbled, "Hmm?"


    James smiled, his hand sliding down to grasp hers, their fingers intertwining, "It must be a bit cold."


    Mirabe was left speechless.


    Feeling a sense of satisfaction, James led her outside. A few minutester, they arrived at her vi. He finally let go of her hand and looked up at the vi, then back at Mirabe, his eyes deep and thoughtful. After a moment, he said, "Go inside. Goodnight."


    Mirabe''s gaze wandered as she coughed softly, "Goodnight."


    She turned around, walked to the door, and entered the code. Just as the door opened, she heard James''s voice from behind, "Oh, by the way, Curtis called to say thepensation has already been transferred to your bank ount."


    Mirabe stumbled slightly, paused, but didn''t turn back. Instead, she raised her hand and made an OK gesture before stepping inside.


    Damn, how did everything get soplicated?


    James chuckled softly, shook his head, and walked away.


    *


    As soon as Mirabe stepped into the house, she was greeted by the aroma of food. Rubbing her stomach, she walked into the dining room and saw Nick setting the table. She pulled out a chair and sat down.


    Nick shot her a nce, "Go wash your hands."


    "Oh." Mirabe obediently got up, washed her hands quickly, and returned. Just


    as she was about to start eating, she paused and looked at Nick, "Nick, do we have guests today?"


    There were three sets of cutleryid out.


    "Yeah." Nick paused for a moment before nodding.


    No wonder there was so much food.


    Mirabe bit the end of her chopstick thoughtfully.


    At that moment, Zach emerged from the bathroom, having overheard their conversation. His face darkened, "I''m your brother!"


    He strode over, ring at Nick, thinking, just a few months away, and this guy''s gotten cheeky.


    "Zach, when did you get here?" Mirabe''s eyes brightened upon seeing him.


    "Today." Zach sat down next to Mirabe, scrutinizing her before saying, "You''ve lost weight. Has Nick been mistreating you?"


    Nick, caught in the middle, was baffled.


    "You really don''t know how to be a brother," Zach scoffed disdainfully.


    Mirabe nced at the confused Nick, then pushed a bowl and chopsticks towards Zach, "Alright, Zach, stop picking on Nick."


    Zach snorted. He was nning to expand hisw firm to Riverdale!


    "Did youe here on a business trip?" Mirabe asked, her mouth full of ribs.


    Zach sighed deeply, "Can''t Ie to see my sister without being on a business trip?"