Mirabe noticed someone ncing her way and responded with a friendly smile, casually strolling over to greet them. As she got closer, she said, "Morning," with an easy, natural vibe.


    "Morning."


    James was also dressed in workout gear, his sleeves rolled up, showing off his forearms, and a light sheen of sweat glistened on his forehead. His striking features had a certain disciplined allure, evidence of a recent workout.


    "Morning," James replied, nodding towards the neighborhood with a yful eyebrow raise. "Care to join me?"


    Mirabe nodded with a smile, falling into her usual jogging routine.


    Awkward? Not a chance!


    James nced over at the girl ahead, a yful smirk tugging at his lips as he matched her pace. They jogged fiveps around the neighborhood, switching to a brisk walk for thestp, sharing a quiet, peaceful camaraderie.


    After their run, James walked Mirabe home.


    As she keyed in her door code, Mirabe broke the silence, turning to James, "Got something on your mind?"


    Her cheeks were flushed from the run, herplexion glowing.


    James raised an eyebrow, "Like what? The mystery racer who helped me out that night?" He paused, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper, "Or maybe... the world''s top racer, Jade?"


    Mirabe''s smile wavered, "What nonsense are you spouting this early? World champ? Not me. I''ve barely had my license six months."


    As long as she denied it, she was just a decoy.


    James chuckled softly, "Underground racing doesn''t need a license."


    Ignoring him, Mirabe turned back to the door. "I better get going. College awaits."


    She stepped inside, but James''s voice caught her, "How about a race sometime?"


    Mirabe hesitated, cheeks twitching.


    James watched her for a moment, then said, "You owe me that much."


    Surprised, Mirabe turned back, incredulous, "Petty much? I earned that twenty million fair and square!"


    Revealing her identity? Maybe. Coughing up money? No way.


    With that, she shut the door with a firm click.


    James sighed, rubbing his temple. "I wasn''t asking for money."


    From behind the door, Mirabe''s voice softened, "Oh."


    James lingered for a few seconds, then simply said, "Tonight. We race."


    Although she didn''t quite get his sudden need to race, as long as cash wasn''t involved, she was game.


    So, Mirabe nodded, "Alright, tonight."


    "Yeah."


    Something flickered in James''s eyes, but Mirabe didn''t notice as she disappeared inside.


    Meanwhile, over at the hospital...


    Romero had been recovering from a bone marrow transnt for a few days,


    staying in istion. Age and the toll of radiation had left his immune system wiped out, leading to infections andplications soon after surgery.


    Austin hadn''t caught a decent night''s sleep in days.