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 toe 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 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 Mirabe under the wing of the Hammonds themselves.


    Mirabe 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.”


    Mirabe 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 nationalsing up next week, make sure you’re ready. We’re all counting on you to shine at


    the internationalpetition,” Mr. Hammond reminded her.


    Should Mirabe score well internationally, it would catapult her career to new heights, and she


    wouldn’t have to entertain any more nder orpromise 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, Mirabe 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 apetitive streak, and not wanting to dampen her


    spirits, he simply warned, “The internationalpetition is a different ballgame. It’s filled with top


    contenders.”


    Mirabe’s eyebrows shot up, and her voice wasced with pride, “That’s what makes it exciting.”


    Just then, a knock came at the door, and Mirabe stood. “You must be busy. I’ll head back to ss.”


    Mr. Hammond rose as well. “Alright then.”


    Mirabe reached the door and pulled it open to find Anthony, with two familiar faces in tow. Mirabe


    was rather surprised at the sight of them.


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    Chapter 225


    “Ms. Mirabe.” Wyatt greeted her, with a touch of respect in his voice.


    James looked at Mirabe. His expression was thoughtful. “Did we interrupt your conversation with Mr.


    Hammond?”


    Stepping out of the office. Mirabe 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?”


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    Wyatt nodded, “Ms. Mirabe 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 revtion.


    Mirabe 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.