"''"''I think so, but I''m not too sure about the name," James''s voice was as steady as


    ever.


    Mirabe pulled her coat tighter and simply replied, "It''s not him."


    James let out a small "oh" of realization.


    Mirabe gave him another nce, her look dripping with sarcasm.


    About forty minutester, they reached their meeting spot-a cozy little tavern with a charming vibe.


    James looked through the car window at the tavern. It was four in the afternoon, and the ce was empty, with no customers in sight.


    Mirabe unbuckled her seatbelt just as her phone buzzed with a message from Sophia, asking when she''d arrive.


    She quickly typed a reply and turned to James, "It''s just a girls'' meetup. It''d be awkward for you to tag along, so no need to wait for me."


    James nodded, pulling his gaze back, "Alright."


    Mirabe nodded, stepped out of the car, and disappeared into the tavern through its ss door.


    As she entered, a weing chime sounded, catching the attention of the cashier at the front.


    The tavern was small, with soft music ying in the background. Mirabe nced around, spotting no other patrons. Just as she was about to speak, the curtain to her right was pulled aside.


    A young woman hurried out, her words trailing behind her, "Sophie, my friend..."


    She paused mid-sentence, spotting Mirabe standing nearby. Her words came to an abrupt stop.


    Putting aside her striking looks, the fact that she appeared about twenty didn''t match the formidable figure Sophia had imagined.


    Sophia scratched her neck and, after a moment of hesitation, called out, "Boss?" Mirabe faced Sophia, not particrly surprised, "Have you been waiting long?" Sophia was still a bit stunned, "You''re really... the one?"


    "Or do you want to wait and see if someone else shows up?" Mirabe raised an eyebrow, a slight smirk ying on her lips.


    Her presence was naturallymanding, and her words carried an undeniable confidence.


    Sophia cleared her throat. Even though she was older than Mirabe, she couldn''t shake off a sense of awe. She gestured toward the booth curtain, "Let''s go inside and chat."


    Mirabe nodded.


    Sophia stepped aside, letting Mirabe go first. Once inside, she instructed the cashier, "Could you get us some coffee, no alcohol-maybe some juice instead?"


    After giving the instruction, she joined Mirabe in the booth, closing the elegant wooden door behind her.


    Sitting across the low table, Sophia looked at Mirabe again, her voice carrying a hint of disbelief, "I honestly thought you''d be a middle-aged guy, maybe in his thirties or forties."


    Even though she''de to terms with Mirabe being a student, seeing her in person was still a shock.


    Mirabe nodded, calmly saying, "I''m sure you''re not the only one who thought that."


    Sophia touched her nose, wondering how someone so young could have such incredible medical skills.


    As memories stirred in her mind, she softly said, "Thank you for saving me from those people back then."


    A faint scar was visible on Sophia''s wrist as she rested it on the table. Mirabe''s eyes flickered to it briefly before she spoke in a rxed tone, "It was just a lucky break for you. No need to dwell on it."


    Sophia smiled, offering her thanks a few more times.


    Outside, the staff member knocked on the wooden door. Sophia gathered her thoughts, stood to open it, and took the coffee from her hands, closing the door once more."