Austin took a deep breath, trying to keep his cool, and said with a surprising gentleness, “Your mom''sst name is Song, which makes you my niece. How can we not be family? Besides, family squabbles shouldn''tst. Even if there were misunderstandings, you should at least give your uncle a chance to apologize,


    right?"


    This was probably the nicest thing Austin had ever managed to say.


    With anyone else, apologizing would be unthinkable.


    Mirabe couldn''t help but chuckle, "When I was of no use, I got kicked out and cut off. And now you have the nerve to say we''re family? Is shamelessness a Cunningham family tradition?"


    Her words made Austin''s face flush with a mix of embarrassment and anger. After a moment, he gritted his teeth and said, "So, are you just going to abandon your mother?"


    He was making it clear that no matter what, Mirabe was expected to attend the event tonight.


    Ignoring Austin, Mirabe turned to As and asked, "As, where''s my mom right now?"


    As, who had earlier seen Delh and Shawn back to the vi, had left someone to keep an eye on them. He quickly pulled out his phone to check.


    Mirabe nodded slightly, unfazed by Austin''s threats.


    As he listened to them talk, Austin was busy trying to figure out who As really was or, more importantly, who his sister had married.


    The man standing before him had an air of authority that was far from ordinary.


    As soon ended the call, nced at Austin, and turned to Mirabe, "Ma''am, she''s at the Riverview Restaurant." He paused and added, "Miss Mira, rest easy. On her home turf, your mom''s safe."


    Mirabe raised an eyebrow, not particrly worried about Delh''s safety. Austin was just trying to use Delh to coax her into helping Romero.


    Austin was puzzled by As''sment about "her own territory."


    "Should I arrange for someone to get her out now?" As asked, snapping Austin back to the present.


    Mirabe gave Austin a thoughtful look, then shook her head. "No need. Since we''re invited for dinner, I might as well join in the fun."


    As shot Mirabe a knowing nce, sensing she was up to something significant, and cleared his throat. “Alright, I''ll drive you there now."


    Mirabe nodded slightly, then without a second nce at Austin, headed for the car parked by the curb.


    Austin, hearing her words, doubted she was serious, thinking it might all be an act.


    His gaze darkened. Tonight''s dinner was crucial, and he needed his niece there. As he started to call her back, As blocked his path.


    Despite being taken aback by As''s confidence, Austin held his ground and said firmly, "Crossing the Cunningham family won''t end well for you."


    As cracked his neck with a couple of satisfying clicks and, smiling, said, "Mr. Austin, let me give you some advice: don''t forget the pain just because the wound''s healed."


    Austin frowned, not quite getting the message, but it was obvious As wasn''t keen on any more chit-chat, as he turned and walked away.


    Dressed in ck, As''smanding presence and sharp aura lingered as he left.


    As the car pulled away and vanished from sight, Austin finally snapped out of his daze, realizing the impact of the encounter.