Chapter 30
The unassuming black sedan glided smoothly along, its ordinariness almost a cloak of invisibility under the scrutiny of passersby. As the vehicle neared, its rear window slid down halfway, revealing a familiar half–face.
Mirabella paused mid–stride, catching sight of the partial visage, a flicker of recognition crossing her face.
James‘ eyebrows quirked in amusement, his mischievous eyes sparkling with mirth as he caught her gaze. “Locked out?” he teased, the corner of his mouth lifting in a half–smile.
Mirabella’s initial surprise quickly dissipated, replaced by a resigned shrug that seemed to say, ‘Isn’t it obvious?”
A soft chuckle escaped James‘ lips before he offered, “Hop in. I’ll get you past the gate.”
Wyatt, who had been dutifully driving without a word, nearly did a double–take at the sound of his boss‘ words. Was this really the same man who usually exuded an aura of detached frostiness?
With an arched brow, Mirabella glanced at the security guard standing nearby, noting his passive stance. After a brief moment of contemplation, she didn’t decline the unexpected offer. She strode over, pulled open the car door, and slid into the backseat with a graceful ease.
Meanwhile, Summer, approaching from a distance, caught the interaction and pointed toward the entrance, her voice tinged with surprise. “Emmitt, isn’t that Mira over there?”
Emmitt, somewhat preoccupied as he escorted Summer to school, snapped to attention at her words. Following her pointed finger, all he saw was the black sedan making its way into the school grounds, with no sign of Mirabella amidst the crowd. “No, I don’t see her, Summer. Are you sure?” he asked, his brow furrowed with confusion.
Though it was a fleeting glimpse, Summer was quite certain that she had seen Mirabella enter the black car. Emmitt. however, seemed to have missed it.
Summer pondered briefly. She withdrew her gaze and murmured, “Maybe I was mistaken. It couldn’t have been Mira getting into a stranger’s car.”
She spoke the last part almost under her breath, too softly for Emmitt to catch properly. “What stranger’s car?” he inquired, seeking clarity.
Summer hesitated, then shook her head dismissively. “Never mind.” After a brief pause, she added, ‘Emmitt, I should head in. Thanks for going out of your way to bring me to school today.”
Emmitt responded with a simple wave and a smile, which gradually faded as Summer’s figure disappeared through the school gates. Was his sister in a stranger’s car?
Inside the car, Mirabella turned her head to look at James with a playful tilt of her head, resting her cheek on her hand. “What a coincidence, neighbor boy.”
The term ‘neighbor boy‘ made James‘ lips twitch involuntarily, a wry sense of resignation washing over his handsome features. His voice, low and steady, corrected her gently, “James. That’s my name.”
As his words settled, the car experienced a brief jolt. James raised an eyebrow, casting a casual glance at Wyatt, who sat ramrod straight in the driver’s seat, avoiding any and all eye contact with the rearview mirror.
Unperturbed by the subtle tension in the car, Mirabella maintained her nonchalant demeanor, murmuring. “James… It’s a nice name.”
James shifted in his seat, crossing his legs comfortably. His tone was light as he probed, “And the person attached to the name? Am I not appealing?”
“It’s been a few days, and yet your skin seems to have thickened considerably,” Mirabella shot back with a sideways. glance.
A soft laugh escaped James as his expression turned more serious. “What was going on at the school gate?” he inquired.
