Mirabe swung open the door to the study, stepping into a world of minimalist ck-and-white elegance. The room was spotless and inviting, with a whole wall of books neatly lined up like soldiers ready for inspection. But what really caught her eye was a peculiar little ornament on the central shelf-made of oddly shaped metallic pieces, it gleamed with a silvery light.


    She set down the blueprints she''d been carrying and wandered over to the disy, her eyes lingering on the ornament, her mind momentarily adrift. It didn''t look like anything practical-neither a gadget nor a weapon. Yet, its form was strangely familiar, echoing something she''d once seen in her family''s archives.


    After a moment lost in thought, Mirabe shrugged off the feeling and left the study. As she descended the stairs, she caught a whiff of activity from the kitchen, where the hustle and bustle continued. She gave a quick nce before settling onto the sofa in the living room.


    The image of the silver ornament still danced in her mind. Pulling out her phone, she shot a message to Cassandra on Messenger: "Can you sneak into the restricted area and snag a video for me?"


    Minutes ticked by with no reply. Unfazed, Mirabe dialed As. He picked up from somewhere outside the hospital, mentioning that Nick was set to be discharged the next day and would soon head off to an international medical conference.


    "Sounds good," Mirabe replied casually. "As long as he doesn''t overdo it likest time, he''ll be alright."


    As couldn''t help but smirk, detecting the subtle tease in her tone. Clearing his throat, he assured her, "Got it. I''ll keep an eye on Mr. Nick."


    With a nod, Mirabe wrapped up the call just as James announced dinner. "You''ve got quite the chef''s touch these days," she remarked, grabbing a rib. "Thanks for the praise," James replied, a hint of a smile ying on his lips.


    As she ate, James asked, "How''s Nick holding up?"


    Mirabe, her mouth full, mumbled, "Doing pretty well, I think." Her secret stash of medicine had surely helped.


    James nodded knowingly. "Oh, I noticed a silver ornament on your study shelf. Where''d you find that? It''s got a real artsy vibe."


    Mirabe chuckled. "It''s unique, alright."


    James grinned, "Found the design online, and just pieced it together myself."


    A wave of mixed emotions washed over Mirabe-part admiration, part disappointment. Just then, her phone buzzed with a message from Cassandra.


    Y: "Emmitt, I don''t have a key to the restricted area. Why the sudden need for a video?"


    Mirabe replied with a simple, "Never mind."


    Y: "..."


    Deciding to drop the conversation, she tucked her phone away.


    After dinner, James didn''t wait for Mirabe to suggest heading home. Instead, he led her straight up to the study. "Help yourself to any book," he said, gesturing at the shelves.


    Mirabe nodded, her features softening under the room''s warm light, her eyes sparkling like stars. Watching her, James felt a rush of affection and, still holding her hand, gently pulled her into his arms.