Chapter 306


    The international roaming on Mirabe’s phone was activated, and as soon as she powered it on, a


    message from Nick popped up on Messenger.


    LIN: (Landed yet?]


    Zipping up her jacket. Mirabe texted back. [Just did.]


    LIN: [Okay.]


    Mirabe didn’t follow up, slipping her phone into her pocket instead. She began making her way but


    with the other students participating in thepetition.


    Within minutes, they all passed through the exit. The airport wasn’t crowded at this hour, so as soon as


    Mirabe stepped out, Nick made his way over.


    “Mi…Mirabe.” His tone was timid as he called out to her, perhaps due to the unfamiliarity. Mirabe


    took a moment to size up Nick, who was tall and lean with skin so pale it seemed he might not have


    seen sunshine in years. She paused before calling out, “Nick.”


    Nick gave a faint “hm,” his sharp features expressionless. He seemed to be trying for a friendly


    demeanor, but it only made his facial muscles tenser, nothing close to natural.


    Mirabe touched her nose and nced at her fellow students waiting nearby. She suggested. “Nick,


    shall we head to the hotel first?”


    Nick nodded, “Ride with me.” He then led the way.


    Mirabe exined the situation to the teacher leading the group and got the hotel address before


    breaking away to follow Nick alone.


    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    In the car, Mirabe sat in the passenger seat, not fiddling with her phone but resting her hands


    naturally on her knees, with wisps of hair framing her calm,posed face.


    Nick leaned his head against the seat, asionally ncing in the rearview mirror. His biological sister


    was different from what he had imagined; she wasid–back and serene. exuding azy elegance


    devoid of the typical girlish airs.


    Nick cleared his throat, breaking the silence, “How many days is yourpetition?”


    Mirabe turned her head slightly, replying with ease, “Two days.”


    After a brief pause, Nick offered in a softer tone, “If you have time, I’ll have someone show you


    around.”


    Mirabe tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, unaffected by Nick’s choice of words-“Have


    someone show you“-instead of offering himself. She replied indifferently. “No need. The school will


    probably have other arrangements.”


    Before her arrival, Zach had briefed her on Nick’s personality. He was reclusive, cool–tempered,


    11:01


    Chapter 306


    averse to closeness and social interaction, with a tendency for mild aloofness. If it weren’t for the family


    pressure, Nick might not have shown up at the airport today.


    Noticing Mirabe’s nonchnt expression in the rearview mirror, Nick hesitated before slowly


    admitting. “I’m notfortable in crowded ces.”


    Mirabe hummed in understanding, “It’s okay, Nick. You’re busy. I’ll exin to Mom and Dad


    At that, Nick finally exhaled in relief.


    The silence returned. Mirabe pulled out her phone, lowered her head, and with slender fingers


    tapping on the screen, she quickly dispatched a message to her parents confirming her safe arrival.


    Nick stole another nce at his sister, silently affixing thebel ‘empathetic‘ to her in his mind.


    Before long, they arrived at the hotel booked by the school. Mirabe got out of the car and went to


    fetch her luggage from the trunk. Nick had intended to offer help, but he found his gesture hanging in


    the air as she effortlessly managed on her own.