The effects of that special medication were a mystery known only to a select few.


    While it might not technically qualify as a poison, its knack for keeping someone in a deep, prolonged sleep was definitely cause for concern.


    James was done waiting. That evening, he called up David from the Pharmaceutical Association to fill him in on Mirabe''s situation.


    "There are indeed some drugs that slip under the radar of standard medical equipment. Tell you what, I''ll grab the next avable flight and head over," David said without missing a beat when he heard the news.


    Mirabe had once saved his bacon. Without her, he might''ve been pushing up daisies by now.


    James knew David wasn''t in the best shape these days. He nced over at Mirabe, lying there in the hospital bed, and with a serious look, he replied, "Thanks. You don''t need to worry about a thing; I''ll have someone pick you up."


    "Alright," David agreed, not wasting any time. Every hour counted when it came to Mirabe''s condition.


    Just as James was about to hang up, David''s voice came through again.


    After a brief pause, David added, “Mirabe... she might have ties to the Massolio family. A lot of folks are on the hunt for them, so tread carefully."


    James''s grip on the phone tightened a smidge, but he kept his cool, answering steadily, "I''m aware."


    David assumed Mirabe had already told James about it and didn''t pursue the topic further.


    The call ended.


    James stood by the window, his thoughts spinning. He had long suspected that Mirabe''s extraordinary skills might be linked to the elusive Stevenson family. Only a family shrouded in such mystery could cover their tracks so well.


    Could it be that whoever targeted Mirabe today was after her because of her true identity?


    He let out a deep breath and made another call. After giving out some instructions, he returned to Mirabe''s side.


    Her phone was on the bedside table,


    and right then, it lit up with a


    from Cassie Davis. James


    recognized the name and,


    tera


    moment of consideration, picked it up.  s?novel


    Before he could even say hello, a young voice chirped through the dine, "Sis, are you mad at me? I didn''t


    to ghost you. School''s been


    mean to


    crazy with exams, and I left my phone behind..."


    Once the boy finished, James replied, "Your sister can''te to the phone right now."


    Cassie, caught off guard by the unfamiliar voice, nearly jumped out of his skin. "Who are you? Why''re you picking up my sister''s phone?"


    "It''s James. We ate togetherst time," James answered calmly.


    Cassie quickly pieced it together. James was the older guy trying to charm his sister.


    Cassie felt a headacheing on, concern evident in his voice, "Why can''t she take the call?"


    "She''s busy," James said, his tone giving away nothing. "I''ll make sure she calls you back when she''s free."


    “Okay..." Cassie replied, feeling a bit better but still curious, "What''s she so busy with?"


    Busy enough to have someone else answer her phone? If he had tried touching her phone before, she would''ve raised hell.


    Before James could field more


    Vol


    questions, a knock at the door


    echoed through the room. ze and


    Patrick walked in, just back from running an errand.


    "Is Mira still not awake?"