Before you knew it, whispers about Mirabe being the heiress of the


    Cunningham family were buzzing among the guests. The Cunninghams might not be the top-tier in Riverdale, but they were definitely up there in the upper-middle- ss. Throwing a party for a girl who seemed toe out of nowhere hinted that she was someone worth noticing.


    It didn''t take long for all eyes tond on Mirabe. She quickly became the focal point of the entire ballroom, with everyone buzzing about her. Kitty, with a ss of champagne in hand, looked quite pleased with how things were unfolding.


    When Austin returned to the ballroom, he scanned the room before making a beeline straight for Mirabe. "Mirabe, when did you get here? I was just downstairs and didn''t see you," he remarked, looking dapper in his suit, his smile warm as he approached her.


    Mirabe kept her hands casually tucked in her coat pockets, giving him a quick, cool nce. "Ready to say sorry?" she asked.


    Austin''s smile didn''t waver, "As for that, your uncle will sort it out after the party. Tonight, you''re the main attraction. Let me introduce you to the Riverdale elite; it''ll do wonders for your future."


    Mirabe stayed put, the bright lights above casting a stark glow around her. Standing beside her was As, looking almost like a guardian, which made Austin feel an odd pressure.


    "Mr. Austin, have you forgotten today''s main business? If you have, I can jog your memory," As chimed in, his fingers clicking in the air nonchntly.


    Austin''s smile faltered slightly, his eyes on Mirabe as he paused before saying, "Being the Cunningham heiress should set you up nicely in Riverdale. What more could you want?"


    He was skirting around the apology.


    "Give me a break, ourdy''sst name is Hawke. Who the heck are the Cunninghams?" As retorted with a smirk.


    Austin, irritated by As''s interruptions but wary of his presence, tried to brush him off and focused on Mirabe. "Besides an apology, whatever you want, your uncle will try to make it happen."


    Their conversation, happening smack dab in the middle of the hall, had already drawn quite the crowd, including some of Austin''s friends who were now gathering around.


    Mirabe''s fingers, still in her pockets, pinched together lightly, her lips curling into a half-smile. "Oh? Anything I want?"


    Austin, noting the friends gathering, didn''t bring up the apology again. "Yes."


    "Including the inheritance?" Mirabe asked, her eyebrow arched, her voice light as a feather.


    The word "inheritance" made heads turn.


    In wealthy families, fights over inheritance were asmon as cocktail parties, and everyone knew Romero Cunningham, the current head honcho, was in poor health.


    Austin paused, ignoring the curious eyes around him, and asked, "What inheritance?"


    "What do you think?" Mirabe replied nonchntly, her gaze drifting to Kitty, who was making her way over.


    Austin followed her gaze to Kitty, and something seemed to click for him, his expression shifting slightly. "I don''t know what you''re talking about."


    Mirabe chuckled, nodding. "Looks like Mr. Austin isn''t the sharpest tool in the shed."


    Austin frowned, watching as Mirabe pulled her phone from her pocket. He couldn''t see what she was doing, but as she slipped it back, his own phone buzzed in his pocket.