After dinner, Mirabe was lounging in the living room, flipping through TV channels when her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, saw James''s name shing on the screen, and picked up right away.


    "Can you step outside for a moment?" James said, casually leaning against his car door, looking effortlessly cool in a ck trench coat that made him appear both aloof and intriguing. At his feet were several paper bags.


    Without much thought, Mirabe replied, "Sure," and ended the call, heading towards the front door.


    Soon enough, she was standing in front of James. "What''s up?" she asked.


    James lifted the bags and handed them to her. "These are gifts for Uncle Marian."


    Mirabe raised an eyebrow, "Feeling generous, are we?"


    "What can I say? If I want to marry their daughter, I''ve got to win them over," James said with a yful sigh.


    Mirabe smirked, "Your charm offensive is getting more aggressive."


    James passed the bag handles into her hands, gently sping her hand, "How else will I seal the deal?"


    Mirabe was used to James''s touchy-feely ways by now. After standing silently for a couple of minutes, she nced back at the house. "I should get back inside."


    James gave her hand a final squeeze, "Alright."


    Mirabe nodded, took the bags, and went back inside. Only when she was out of sight did James let a slight smile y on his lips before he got into his car and drove off.


    *


    The next day, Mirabe found herself at the airport, seeing off Zach.


    "Once I get that branch office up in Riverdale next year..." Zach started in the departure lounge.


    Mirabe chuckled, taking it as a bit of banter. "Oh, by the way, Grady set you up with a personal trainer. Make sure you stick with it when you''re back."


    Zach''s grin dropped instantly-he thought she was jokingst time. "I''m not doing it."


    Mirabe raised an eyebrow, "Take it up with Grady, see if he''s on board with that."


    Zach''s face twitched. Did he really need to ask? The answer was obvious.


    Checking her watch, Mirabe added, "You''d better get through security, Zach. Let me know when you''re home safe."


    Zach sighed, "Alright, call me if you need anything."


    Mirabe nodded, "Safe journey."


    With a wave, Zach and his assistant headed for the security line. Mirabe watched them until they disappeared, then turned to leave.


    In the parking lot, As was waiting by the car. Seeing Mirabe approach, he opened the door for her.


    Just before getting in, Mirabe paused and nced at As. "As, once Zach''s back, could you arrange for a few more capable bodyguards to keep an eye on him?"


    As immediately understood her concern and nodded, "Of course, I''ll handle it." Mirabe gave a small nod, "Thanks, As, I appreciate it."


    As scratched his head with a sheepish grin, "No need for thanks, Miss Mira. Just doing my job."


    With a smile, Mirabe got into the car.


    **


    Back home, Mirabe headed to her room, flipped open herptop, and logged into The Mirror''s website. The mercenary task she''d posted earlier had been epted, and today was the day to finalize the payment.


    After transferring the funds, curiosity got the better of the recipient, and they sent her a private message, "Why didn''t you take this on yourself?"


    Leaning back in her chair, Mirabe''s fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment before she replied, "Got the cash, just looking for ways to spend it."


    The person on the other end couldn''t help but chuckle. Wasn''t she just unting her wealth?