Chapter 294
Mirabella quickly tapped Messenger, her fingers flying across the screen as she shot a text to the contact nicknamed “Delilah” in her phone–her mom. [Mom, what are you and Dad doing here?]
Yes, as she had ascended the podium, a quick scan of the audience had revealed two sneakily ducking heads. They weren’t just anybody: they were Delilah and Shawn, her parents.
Despite their attempts to blend in, wearing baseball caps as a disguise, the pair’s shifty antics. were too conspicuous to miss.
Delilah’s phone was on silent, so she didn’t notice her daughter’s message immediately. Only after a few minutes, when checking the time, did she see it.
Delilah: [Ah, sweetie, what are you talking about?]
Mirabella’s lips twitched in amusement as she texted back. [I spotted you both, blue cap and black cap.]
In the audience below the stage. Delilah gave her husband, sitting beside her, a nudge. “Look,
our girl’s seen us.
Shawn glanced at her phone screen, and after a moment, pride swelled in his chest. “Girl’s got sharp eyes.”
“But where in the world did she get such a fluent French from?” Shawn stroked his chin, genuinely surprised. This level of proficiency wasn’t something you’d expect from the small–town French standards of the town she grew up in.
“She’s had a tutor, right? Maybe the tutor taught her?” Delilah mentioned offhandedly.
Hearing his wife’s suggestion, Shawn nodded, thinking it quite plausible. He remembered that box of fine coffee beans–the tutor’s gift.
“Let’s ask her later, see if we can take her tutor out for dinner sometime,” Shawn said slowly.
*Sounds good,” Delilah agreed with a nod.
An hour later.
Mirabella descended the stairs, diploma, and prize money in hand. By then, Delilah had removed her cap and was taking the diploma from her daughter’s hand. “My girl, you are simply outstanding.”
Mirabella was used to her mom’s spontaneous praise. She handed the check to Shawn, who was standing beside her.
Holding the check, Shawn looked puzzled at his daughter, “What’s this?”
Mirabella replied generously. “It’s a gift. A new car for you. Pick one out yourself.”
Chapter 294
Shawn was initially taken aback, but as he looked down at the check and then back up at his daughter to express his heartfelt thanks, Mirabella pulled out her phone and stepped aside to take a call. And so, he closed his mouth.
Wyatt was calling Mirabella.
“Ms. Mirabella, where did you buy that Incense of Calm? Do you have the contact for the seller?” Wyatt sounded somewhat urgent.
Mirabella narrowed her eyes, “What’s the matter?”
“It’s just that James‘ chronic issue has flared up again, and we’re looking to get a hold of the incense maker for help.” Wyatt explained vaguely.
Mirabella furrowed her brows. She remembered James being in fine shape last time in Riverdale. After a few seconds of thought, she asked, “Are you still in Riverdale?”
“No, we’re back in Ashford,” Wyatt replied without thinking.
“Send me the address,” Mirabella said calmly.
Upon hearing this, Wyatt assumed Mirabella intended to bring the incense maker to them. He quickly agreed and hung up after the exchange.
Mirabella pocketed her phone after receiving Wyatt’s text with the address. She glanced at the details and then tucked the device away. She turned to rejoin her parents and didn’t let them get a word in before she spoke, “Mom, Dad, go home without me. I’ve got something I need to take care of.”
–
