Once everyone had cleared out of the Math Department, Robert shot a re at the door and muttered, "Such nasty gossip, truly disgraceful for a teacher."


    ze rubbed his nose and quickly tried to calm him down. "Don''t let it get to you. Honestly, it''s partly on our professor. If we had thrown a wee dinner for Mirast year, maybe folks wouldn''t be doubting things now."


    Since the professor was out of earshot, ze felt safe passing the buck.


    Robert found ze''s argument made sense, but his frustration lingered. "I''ll have a word with your professor when I get back."


    The Physics Department always had each other''s backs and wouldn''t stand for anyone badmouthing them.


    **


    When Mirabe got back to her room, James was on the balcony chatting on the phone. As soon as he noticed her, he wrapped up the call and joined her in the living room.


    "All done?" James asked casually.


    "Yeah." Mirabe nodded, heading to the fridge for a bottle of water.


    "Oh, by the way, someone was looking for you this morning," James mentioned, casually spinning his phone.


    Mirabe wiped the corner of her mouth, surprised. "Someone was looking for me? Who was it?"


    James replied, "They didn''t leave a name, but it was a guy in his forties or fifties." A guy in his forties or fifties?


    Mirabe leaned back, racking her brain for anyone who fit that description. After a bit, she shrugged, unable to think of anyone, and said, "If it''s important, he''ll show up again."


    James nodded, then nced at his watch. "I booked us a table at a nearby restaurant. Should we head out for dinner?"


    "Sure, let me grab a jacket," Mirabe said as she headed to her bedroom.


    They ended up at a trendy local spot, oozing with vintage and artsy vibes-a real hit with the younger crowd.


    Mirabe raised an eyebrow and,


    once James finished ordering,


    quipped, "I always thought you


    quite fit the mold of a typical young person."


    Even though he looked young, he acted way more mature.


    James just poured her a ss of water, then looked up with a smirk, "Sometimes, I think the same thing."


    Mirabe shot him a nce; people with quirky minds often twisted others'' words.


    James caught her look and chuckled softly.


    Just then, Mirabe''s phone buzzed. It was Grady.


    She hesitated before answering, "Grady."


    Grady was in the hotel lobby, waiting for the elevator. "You''re at the hotel, right? Let''s grab dinner together."


    "No," Mirabe said, ncing at James, "I''m with a few friends at a popr restaurant nearby. We just ordered."


    She paused, then added, "Why don''t I send you the location, and you can join us?"


    James raised an eyebrow at her suggestion.


    Grady, still watching the elevator


    stick by, replied, "Nah, youet your party." Content kouet


    kids enjoy yourselves.


    yourselves. I won''t crash


    "That''s no problem; you''re young at heart too," Mirabe said, relieved, and threw


    in apliment.


    Grady chuckled, shaking his head.


    v


    As the elevator arrived and he decided not to go up, he said, "You


    guys have fun. I''ve got my own stuff


    to handle..." Content belon stuff


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!