The next day rolled around, and being a Saturday, Mirabe had the day off from school.


    In the afternoon, Delh was busy upstairs, sorting through some things, when her phone started buzzing on the coffee table. She didn''t hear it, but Mirabe, who was lounging on the couch, noticed. While texting her friends, she hesitated for a second before reaching over to check the caller ID. The number seemed familiar, so she picked up the phone.


    It was Austin on the line.


    Mirabe didn''t say anything at first, letting Austin take the lead. He told her about a banquet he was organizing under the Cunningham family''s name, inviting people from the elite circles. This call was his way of saying he agreed to the conditions Mirabe had set the night before.


    After he finished, Austin realized the other end was silent, so he pulled the phone away to see if the call was still connected. It was. Just as he was about to ask


    something, a cool, young voice cut in.


    "What time?" Mirabe asked nonchntly.


    She wasn''t exactly shocked by the call. Given how much effort Austin and Kitty had put into helping Romero, it was only expected they''d cave to her demands. Still, she was sure this banquet wasn''t about making amends.


    Austin was momentarily thrown off, surprised that Mirabe answered, but he quickly got his bearings. "Seven o''clock. Oh, and Mira, where are you staying now? Maybe my uncle could swing by to pick you up..."


    Before he could finish, the call ended with the beep of a hang-up tone. Austin paused mid-sentence, his expression slightly stiff.


    Kitty, sitting across from him, caught that look and couldn''t help but let a hint of sarcasm show. Just because they knew the president of the pharmacists association, they were bending over backward to please, yet look how they were treated.


    Kitty let out a small scoff but kept her face neutral. "All set?"


    Austin masked his feelings with a casual nod, putting his phone away. "Tonight''s banquet is important. Try to keep your temper under control," he advised her.


    Kitty, knowing he was still upset about yesterday''s incident, mockingly gestured to her neck. "I just said a couple of things, and out of nowhere, your sister''s bodyguard injured me. I''m not about to risk that again."


    Austin only just realized Kitty''s injury, pausing before saying, "Regardless, we need that kid for Donald''s treatment."


    "So, maybe I should skip tonight. Better to avoid causing trouble if I can''t hold back," Kitty said coolly.


    Austin rubbed his temples, "Don''t be difficult."


    Kitty chuckled softly, knowing she had to attend. After all, the guest list was full of important people from their circles, and skipping wasn''t an option.


    **


    After Mirabe hung up, she thought for a moment, deleted the call log, and ced the phone back. When Delh came downstairs, Mirabe was already back on the couch.


    Delh went to the kitchen, poured a ss of warm water, and returned to the living room, casually ncing at her phone.


    Mirabe looked over and said, "Oh, by the way, Mom, my teacher wants to meet with me for a bit. I''ll head out soon and won''t be in for dinner."


    Delh raised an eyebrow, "On a weekend?"


    "Yeah, we set it up a few days ago to go over some academic stuff." Mirabe kept her expression steady, showing no hint of deception.


    Delh didn''t question it further, "Alright, just make sure you''re back early."


    Mirabe nodded, got up from the couch, grabbed a jacket from her room, and shortly after, drove away from the vi.