Chapter 248
Mirabella needed a dose of the rare and pricey herb called “Hellebore,” Negotiating the price was a breeze itsell, and soon, she transferred the funds without a hitch.
No sooner had the transaction been completed than the website’s admin slid into her DMS.
CloudAdmin: [Hey there, dear Baby. Could you drop me your delivery address, please?)
Mirabella’s username was “BaldBaby.”
Resting her fingers on the keyboard, Mirabella couldn’t help but feel a twinge of annoyance at the admin’s choice of words. She typed out Adler’s address and hit send.
CloudAdmin: (Got it, dear Baby. Your package will be with you by 10 a.m. tomorrow, sharp!]
BaldBaby: […Okay, but can I ask if there’s a way to file a complaint about the site’s services?
CloudAdmin: [Excuse me?]
BaldBaby: [The whole ‘dear Baby‘ thing…?]
CloudAdmin: [..]
One minute later-
CloudAdmin: [Dear BaldBaby, our site doesn’t currently offer a complaint feature. Wishing you a pleasant night, farewell.]
A smirk twitched at the corner of Mirabella’s lips as she closed the chat window. Her avatar blinked with a new message, and she hesitated for a moment before checking it.
CoolAutumnBreeze: [Just saw your trade post, buying botanicals for someone?]
BaldBaby: [Yeah.]
CoolAutumnBreeze: [Cool, bro. Mind if I ask you something personal?]
From “dear Baby” to “bro,” Mirabella leaned back in her chair, exasperated. It seemed her online persona was beyond salvage.
After a brief pause, she typed: [Shoot.]
CoolAutumnBreeze: [You from Riverdale?]
BaldBaby: [Nope.]
At the other end, Hartlee scratched his head in surprise. After a couple of seconds, he typed back: [Thought you took on an A–tier challenge once.]
Mirabella’s fingers danced lightly over the keyboard but didn’t respond.
Seeing no reply, Hartleesent another message: [Heads up, Riverdale’s tight on security these days, especially during the antiquities exhibit.]
Chapter 248
Mirabella’s eyebrows arched slightly as she replied: [Oh, I’m not exactly free to roam anyway.]
Hartlee’s lips twitched. Did the old baldie mean he would go if he had time?
CoolAutumnBreeze: [Just looking out for an old friend. Take care, and don’t bite the dust.]
Mirabella, who hadn’t been particularly interested before, suddenly felt a spark of curiosity: [When’s the exhibit?]
CoolAutumnBreeze: [?]
As Mirabella waited for a response, she sent her own question mark. But before she could hit send-
The other user logged off.
She shrugged and closed the website, quickly picking up her phone to check the group chat before setting it back down. Rising from her seat, she opened her suitcase, grabbed some fresh clothes, and headed into the bathroom.
The next morning, Mirabella was up bright and early. After a quick wash–up, she headed straight to the second–floor dining area for breakfast.
The place was nearly empty. Besides herself, Vincent was the only other contestant up at this hour.
When they bumped into each other, Vincent raised his eyebrows in surprise. As he went to load up his plate with breakfast fare, he asked, “You’re up early, too. Nervous about today’s competition?”
Mirabella glanced at Vincent, noting his dark circles and tired complexion. It was clear he hadn’t slept much. Not wanting to burst his bubble, she replied nonchalantly. “Oh, I’m just used to waking up early.”
