Chapter 171
In no time at all, the kitchen staff brought out several more dishes. Mirabella, cool as a cucumber, folded the test papers she hadn’t yet managed to stash in her bag and put them. away neatly.
It was then that Knox noticed Mirabella’s attire, the Parkside High School uniform, and he couldn’t help but express his surprise, “You’re a student at Parkside High?”
Mirabella hummed in affirmation.
“Ms. Mirabella’s a senior, so she doesn’t have the time to be a student anywhere else,” Wyatt chimed in by way of explanation.
Knox’s expression cleared with understanding. “Well, that makes sense. Senior year is a real crossroads in life. It’s right to focus all your energy on your studies.”
After a brief pause, Knox continued, “Got a grandson in his senior year at Parkside High myself. Tried to get him interested in these healing meals, but he couldn’t care less.”
“Young folks tend to be restless,” Wyatt said with a chuckle.
“That they do,” Knox sighed, his gaze sweeping over the array of dishes before standing up and addressing James in a polite tone, “Well, I won’t intrude on your meal any further.”
James gave a slight nod in acknowledgment. Shortly after, Knox exited the private dining
room.
A while later, Wyatt turned his attention to Mirabella and said, “Ms. Mirabella, do you realize what a golden opportunity you just passed up?”
Mirabella raised an eyebrow, staring at Wyatt, but remained silent.
“Let me put it this way,” Wyatt began, “the Mendoza family holds considerable sway throughout Ashford. If you apprenticed with Knox, you and your family would be set for life. here. Knox isn’t just any cook. He’s a member of the Pharmacists‘ Guild…” Wyatt trailed off as he remembered Mirabella’s small–town upbringing. Talking guilds might be over her head. He kept the rest of his thoughts about the Pharmacists‘ Guild to himself and summarized, “In short, being connected with the Mendoza family is all pros and no cons.”
He paused, then added, “You wouldn’t have to worry about college applications either.”
“Oh,” was all Mirabella said, shrugging nonchalantly before bowing her head to continue with her meal.
Wyatt, who had been hoping to see some sign of regret from Mirabella, was left speechless. Had he not made himself clear enough? Why was Ms. Mirabella showing absolutely no reaction?
James cast a glance at Wyatt. “Eat your food.”
Wyatt touched his nose. He felt like the only one making a fuss, while the other two couldn’t
be less concerned.
After they finished eating, the group left Knox’s restaurant. But as they stepped out, a waiter hurried after them, handing Mirabella a token. “This is from Mr. Knox.”
Mirabella accepted it, opening the box to reveal a custom–made token. Upon catching a glimpse, James showed a flicker of surprise on his composed face, then spoke slowly, “Keep it. That token could come in handy.”
With a half–joking smile, Mirabella asked, “Does it get me discounts on food?”
The corner of James‘ mouth twitched, but he didn’t bother to elaborate, “If that’s how you
want to see it, sure.”
“Alright then,” Mirabella said, pocketing the medallion before thanking the waiter, “Please convey my thanks to Knox.”
Wyatt had just pulled up the car and was about to open the door for James when he overheard their nonchalant exchange. He was left utterly baffled.
A medallion gifted to Mirabella had turned into a discount card. Had they lost their minds?!
