James lifted an eyebrow slightly, "It''s just a piece of paper, nothing more."


    Mirabe clicked her tongue, realizing this guy must have some clout at the Tech Institute to talk so confidently.


    With a smirk, Mirabe nced ahead, immediately spotting the luxury car in front of them. Her sharp memory quickly reminded her whose car it was.


    Hadn''t Ben skipped school this afternoon?


    Mirabe squinted her eyes, curious.


    James caught a glimpse of her in the rearview mirror, staring intently at the car ahead. He joined her gaze and asked, "Is that someone you know?"


    Mirabe pulled her eyes away, pursing her lips, "Sort of. Was that car parked there when you showed up?"


    "Seems like it," James replied after a moment.


    Mirabe nodded, her interest fading as she adjusted her sleeves, "Alright, let''s get going."


    James nced at her once more, but let it be. He started the engine and soon made a U-turn, driving them away from the school.


    Meanwhile, Ben watched their car disappear, his eyes deep and unreadable. His fingers absentmindedly fiddled with the ck ring on his finger.


    He waited a few more minutes. With no sign of Lisa, his patience finally wore thin after James and Mirabe left.


    Picking up his phone again, Ben decided to call Lisa directly this time.


    The call connected immediately. He spoke sharply, "You''ve got ten minutes to get out here," and hung up just like that, giving Lisa no room to argue.


    Back in her dorm, Lisa stared at the phone in frustration.


    She paced the room for a while, but fear got the better of her. Grabbing her small backpack, she left the dorm.


    Practically jogging out of the school, she spotted the car parked by the curb. She bit her lip, gripping the backpack strap tightly. She tried opening the back door, but it wouldn''t budge.


    Standing there, she tugged a few more times. When Ben didn''t unlock it, she hesitated, then moved to the front.


    The passenger door opened easily, revealing Ben''s unreadable face.


    Lisa shivered slightly but got in, buckling her seatbelt. She sat as close to the door as possible, staying silent.


    Ben nced sideways at her, "Are you scared of me?"


    Lisa''s nerves were on edge, but she tried to y it cool, speaking loudly, "Scared


    of you? No way. Finals areing up, and I need to study. I don''t have time to go home."


    As Ben started the engine, he replied quietly, "You should have told Gracie that."


    Lisa turned, annoyed, to stare out the window. Her mother really... always sending Ben after her. She had no idea how intimidating Emmitt truly was.


    "Oh, by the way, I saw your ssmate earlier," Ben remarked.


    Lisa frowned, turning back. She wanted to ask who but instinctively thought of Mirabe.


    "I don''t get it. Why are you so hung up on a regr girl? What''s so special about her?" Lisa asked, still puzzled.


    Ben''s lips curled into a slight smile, "I don''t think she''s ordinary at all."