Chapter 193


    After stowing her and Leo’s bag away, Mirabe descended the stairs to find Leo still rooted in the


    same spot. His normally cool demeanor seemed oddly endearingpared to Zach’s polished


    appearance. Somehow, Leo came off as much more charming.


    Feeling his sister’s gaze, Leo turned to look at her, but by then, she had already redirected her


    attention elsewhere. However, the hint of a satisfied smirk at the corner of her mouth didn’t escape his


    notice.


    Blinking, Leo felt that curious, indescribable sensation creep up inside him once more.


    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Unaware of his scrutiny, Mirabe headed to the kitchen and flung open the refrigerator. With Marian


    off for the day and Leo not exactly looking like the culinary type, it seemed the task of preparing dinner


    would fall to her.


    Her phone buzzed in her pocket at that moment. Juggling vegetables in one hand, Mirabe fished out


    her phone with the other and saw it was the old man calling. She hit the speakerphone button. “Dad.”


    “Sweetheart, have you made it home yet?” Shawn’s cheery voice came through.


    “Yeah, just got in,” Mirabe replied, closing the fridge door and then inquired, “Are you and Mom


    coming home for dinner tonight?”


    “No, darling, your mother and I have a gathering to attend and won’t be back early. Also, I gave Marian


    the day off. Don’t worry about dinner. I’ve ordered something special for you. It should be arriving soon,


    so keep an eye out for the delivery, will you?”


    Leo, who had been pouring himself a ss of water nearby, froze at the sound of his father’s voice on


    speakerphone. The phrase ‘I gave Marian the day off‘ kept echoing in his head. “Ah, got it,” Mirabe


    responded, already returning the untouched vegetables to the fridge.


    “Alright then, I’ll let you be. Just be careful at home on your own,” Shawn paused, adding another line


    as an afterthought, “Don’t open the door for anyone, you hear? It’s not safe, especially at night.”


    Mirabe’s face twisted with confusion. Her dad was acting a bit off today; he never usually made those


    kinds of remarks. ncing over at Leo standing just outside the kitchen, she responded dutifully, “Don’t


    worry, Dad, Leo’s here, too.”


    Shawn, who was about to hang up, suddenly turned a shade of green at the mention of Leo, his disdain


    coming through loud and clear, “Why is he still there?”


    If Leo had thought the earlier disdain was just his imagination, there was no denying it now. With his


    water ss in hand, Leo felt like retreating into a shell.


    Watching a clearly bewildered Leo, Mirabe pondered momentarily before speaking up. “Dad, I’m on


    speakerphone.”


    Shawn, who had been about to say. ‘Get him out of our house,‘ choked on his words. Silence reigned


    on the line for a long stretch. Finally, Shawn’s voice hurried through. “Ah, gotta go, your mom and I are


    heading out to dinner.” And with that, he hung up promptly.


    Mirabe cocked an eyebrow, devoid of any guilt for the mischief she’d caused, and pocketed her


    phone. Stepping out of the kitchen, she announced nonchntly, “Dad ordered us takeout. so no need


    to cook tonight.”


    Leo stared at his sister, looking utterly bewildered. After a long pause, he forced a stiff smile. “Well…


    that’s… great.”


    Mirabe pursed her lips, suppressing a giggle. How could anyone have such an adorable brother?