Mirabe shrugged, her voice noticeably cool, "It''s the Cunningham family''s business."


    James raised an eyebrow, a bit surprised. He could tell Mirabe had no love for the Cunningham family. He''d skimmed through the previous reports, so he asked, "What are you nning to do there?"


    "Fix the problem at the source," Mirabe replied, offering no further details.


    James pondered for a moment before asking, "Where''s this dinner happening? At the Cunningham''s ce?"


    "No," Mirabe shook her head and mentioned the name of a local club.


    James gave her a look, noting how her dark coat added a certain chill to her demeanor. "I''ll give you a liftter," he offered.


    Mirabe set down hertte and politely declined, "No need, I can manage." James nodded, not pushing it, "Give me a shout if you need anything."


    "Mhm," Mirabe mumbled, her hand sped by the person sitting next to her, their fingers intertwined. She nced back at James.


    Just as James felt the urge to say something more, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He sighed softly, keeping a hold of Mirabe''s hand while answering the call with his free one.


    Sam''s voice buzzed through the phone, "Is all the gear set up?"


    James leaned back into the couch, sounding a bit weary, "Almost."


    Sam''s voice brightened, "That quick? Great! Send it over soon, or I''ll send someone to pick it up."


    "I''ll have it sent to the campter," James replied coolly.


    "Sounds good, your guys are more reliable," Sam chuckled, clearly in a good mood. After a bit more work talk, he added, "We haven''t had a drink together in ages. How about dinner tonight?"


    James raised an eyebrow, paused briefly, then agreed, "Sure, I''ll text you the address."


    Sam had thought about suggesting they head back to the old family house but figured James had a spot in mind, so he agreed, "Alright, talkter."


    James nodded, nced at Mirabe, and quickly sent an address via Messenger.


    Mirabe didn''t linger with James much longer, leaving after a call from As.


    By seven that evening, Mirabe pulled up at the club. After parking in the underground garage, she stepped out to find As waiting for her.


    "Miss Mira," As greeted.


    "As," Mirabe nodded politely.


    Gesturing toward the nearby elevator, As remarked as they walked, "Austin''s really gathered quite a crowd from Riverdale for the banquet."


    Mirabe nodded, stepping into the elevator.


    As As hit the button, he asked, "The Cunningham''s event should be starting soon, Miss Mira. Head there now, or wait a bit?"


    "Let''s go now," Mirabe decided.


    "Alright," As pressed the button for the third-floor banquet hall and stepped aside, adding, "Everything''s set, Miss Mira. Just let us know what you need."


    Mirabe''s lips twitched slightly, "No need."


    As, slightly disappointed, acknowledged her decision.


    The elevator soon stopped on the third floor, and they stepped out.


    Meanwhile, Austin was still in the first-floor lobby. He''d just sent a guest upstairs and nced out the revolving door. No more guests seemed to be arriving.


    He checked his watch-it was already seven, and he hadn''t heard from his sister or her daughter yet. He reached for his phone, ready to call Delh.