Apprentices cane and go, but losing one''s standing? That''s just not on.


    Presley knew today''s drama needed to be nipped in the bud, no way could Conrad keep talking. After giving David a heartfelt apology, Presley shot Conrad a look that screamed ''warning.''


    Conrad just stood there, stunned, not saying a word. No one knew their mentor''s ways better than him.


    David had a slight smile tugging at his lips. Without even ncing at Presley or bringing up anything else, he told the staff nearby to rework this year''s rankings. Once everyone got their results, he let the crowd disperse.


    Soon enough, a few vice chairs left too. But as Presley made his exit, he threw a shadowy, unreadable nce at James.


    "What a day, huh? And we even had youe all the way here for this," David said to Mirabe and James, his face a picture of resignation.


    Mirabe just waved it off with a grin, her face glowing with indifference. "No worries."


    David checked the time and suggested, "It''s gettingte. How about dinner? We can chat while we eat."


    Mirabe had turned down David''s dinner invites a few times before. She tilted her head towards James. "You free tonight?"


    "Yeah." James nodded.


    Seeing this, Mirabe gave David a nod.


    David was thrilled and quickly called his assistant to book a table. After hanging up, just as he was about to leave, he noticed his awkward apprentice still lingering around.


    The kid looked like he wanted to say something but couldn''t quite bring himself to.


    David rolled his eyes.


    Following David''s gaze, Mirabe spotted Devon off to the side. She raised an eyebrow and said, "Why not invite your apprentice too?"


    "I''ll check," David said, clearing his throat and motioning Devon over.


    Devon was still clutching the form Mirabe had given him. Coming over, he nodded at her and offered the form back. "This should be with you."


    Mirabe didn''t reach for it. "Keep it. I don''t need it."


    Devon was taken aback. Forms were like gold dust to pharmacists, and he''d never seen one handed over so easily.


    Sensing Devon''s surprise, Mirabe added, "It''s just a guide. You don''t have to follow it to the letter or stick to one way."


    Devon''s scruffy face looked even more puzzled, as if a light bulb had just gone off in his head.


    David patted him on the shoulder. "Since Mirabe gave it to you, keep it. Want toe to dinner with us?"


    Devon snapped back to reality, nced at his rumpled clothes, and shook his head, feeling a bit sheepish. "I''ll pass, Master."


    Seeing the tiredness in his eyes, David sighed but didn''t push. He waved him off. "Alright, get some rest. Don''t overdo it."


    "Okay." Devon agreed, but as he turned to leave, he paused, looking back at Mirabe with a hint of nervousness. "Can Ie to you with pharmacology questions down the line?"


    As he asked, Devon felt a mix of nerves and his face flushed with warmth. He remembered how he had t-out refused help through a message from his mentor before, and thinking back, he couldn''t help but regret it a bit.