Chapter 225
Mr. Hammond’s face suddenly took on a serious cast as a thought struck him. “If you ever run into trouble you can’t handle, feel free to come see me. I’ve got a fair number of friends around
here.”
Had anyone familiar with Mr. Hammond been present, they would have been astounded.
Mr. Hammond was a native of Riverdale, and with the Hammond family name behind him. The Hammonds might not have been the crème de la crème, but they were still blue–bloods through and through. Truth be told, the Gilberts didn’t hold a candle to the Hammonds. His offer was tantamount to bringing Mirabella under the wing of the Hammonds themselves.
Mirabella offered a smile, although she didn’t need his help. She replied with a sweet. “Thank you, Mr. Hammond. I appreciate it.”
Mr. Hammond felt a tinge of sentimentality, and thinking of Summer, he couldn’t help but add some advice, “Sometimes, being too naive isn’t good. It’s important to keep your guard up.”
Mirabella looked up at Mr. Hammond and, seeing his earnest expression, she touched her nose. thinking. “Well, looks like my goody–two–shoes act is quite convincing.”
“With the nationals coming up next week, make sure you’re ready. We’re all counting on you to shine at the international competition,” Mr. Hammond reminded her.
Should Mirabella score well internationally, it would catapult her career to new heights, and she wouldn’t have to entertain any more slander or compromise from her foster father. In a world where power and strength reigned supreme, only by standing tall could one avoid being wronged at every turn.
Oblivious to Mr. Hammond’s thoughts, Mirabella threw up an “OK” sign. “Don’t worry. I’ll bring home that international trophy for you.”
After a pause, she added, “But I won’t actually be able to hand it over to you.” It was, after all, meant for her dear Catherine.
Mr. Hammond’s lips twitched. He knew she had a competitive streak, and not wanting to dampen her spirits, he simply warned, “The international competition is a different ballgame. It’s filled with top contenders.”
Mirabella’s eyebrows shot up, and her voice was laced with pride, “That’s what makes it exciting.”
Just then, a knock came at the door, and Mirabella stood. “You must be busy. I’ll head back to class.”
Mr. Hammond rose as well. “Alright then.”
Mirabella reached the door and pulled it open to find Anthony, with two familiar faces in tow. Mirabella was rather surprised at the sight of them.
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Chapter 225
“Ms. Mirabella.” Wyatt greeted her, with a touch of respect in his voice.
James looked at Mirabella. His expression was thoughtful. “Did we interrupt your conversation with Mr. Hammond?”
Stepping out of the office. Mirabella replied casually, “Not at all, we were just wrapping up.”
James hummed softly. His usually stoic face softened slightly.
Anthony, taken aback, whispered, “You two know each other?”
Wyatt nodded, “Ms. Mirabella is a friend of our… James“.”
Mr. Hammond, overhearing this, was visibly stunned. His student knew James of the Shepherd. family? And Wyatt’s demeanor towards her was quite respectful, which was truly a puzzling revelation.
Mirabella nodded to James and Wyatt, not lingering to chat, and with a quick “I’ll be off then,” to the still shell–shocked Mr. Hammond, she made her exit.
“Alright… alright,” Mr. Hammond managed. His head still spun as he ushered James into his office with newfound reverence.
