---
Night had fallen.
"Okay, here's Leo," Mirabel said softly, placing the teddy bear in her daughter's arms. "Cuddle him to sleep, alright? Goodnight, baby. Don't disturb your brother."
"Okay, mummy. Will you come early in the morning?" the little girl asked with hopeful eyes.
"I don't know yet, sweetheart, but be good."
She nodded cutely. "Mhm."
"You're so cute," Mirabel whispered, gently rubbing her daughter's head. "Now go to sleep."
The little girl smiled, hugging Leo tightly as her eyes fluttered shut.
Mirabel closed the door quietly and walked into Charlie's room.
"Charlie," she said firmly. "I don't want you bullying your sister again. If she calls me saying you did, you don't want to see mummy's dark side."
"Yes, mum."
"If she's sad, I want you to console her."
"But—"
"No buts. Console her. She mustn't cry. Tomorrow is your birthday, and I don't want any tears."
"Yes, mum."
"Do not make her cry. Nor make Emily cry either."
"Okay, mum."
Mirabel stepped closer and hugged him. Charlie hugged her back, his small frame pressing into her warmth.
"Stay out of trouble, big guy."
"Okay, mum."
"I love you," she said, kissing his forehead.
"I love you too, mum."
"Goodnight, sweetie."
"Goodnight, mum."
She left his room and entered Tracy's.
"Tracy, I—oh… I see you're already getting ready for the party."
"Yeah. Unlike you, I'm not stuck with kids," Tracy teased with a smirk.
"Very funny. Aren't you getting old at being 'pretty'?"
"I'm just twenty-seven, Mirabel. I'm still young."
"You're getting old. You need to get married," Mirabel teased as she headed for the bathroom.
"Please. I'm prettier than you. Did you see the fancam polls online? They even voted on it."
"Go on…"
"I won."
"Ha! How?" Mirabel asked, stepping out of the bathroom, steam still clinging to her skin.
"They said my skin is flawless. Yours looks like someone who already gave birth."
"Uh—" Mirabel narrowed her eyes.
"Sometimes, when I'm bored, I use a fake account to chat with fans," Tracy added casually.
"Ah, I see…" Mirabel said, drying her hair.
"But there are lots of dating scandals about you. Like you and Justin Bieber—"
"Really?"
"Yeah. And even rumors about you dating Hazel Collins."
Mirabel sighed as she slipped into a white Dior dress, short but elegant, almost brushing her knees. "People really talk nonsense. Hazel's married with two kids. She's just Dior's ambassador. We had a photoshoot together, that's all."
"True. Fans will always make up silly things." Tracy replied, applying lipstick.
Mirabel clipped on a diamond Celine chain worth ten million dollars, her beauty sharp under the glow of the mirror.
"Alright, Tracy. Now tell me the truth. Is your date coming to the party?"
"Yeah. What about yours?"
"Yeah. We can introduce them."
"Sure."
"I'll be leaving now."
"Okay, see you at the party, mate."
"Could you please stop with the fake British accent? You sound like Dior George whenever she does it."
Mirabel laughed softly. "I like her. She's got a golden voice. I'd love to collaborate with her someday."
"They're the biggest girl group in the world. They'll be busy with their tour."
"I know. But when they're done, I'll ask. Maybe even Hazel Collins. And that famous chef, Vorden Grey."
Tracy raised a brow. "Can you even sing or cook like them? What's with this collaboration dream?"
"No," Mirabel grinned, "I'm going to host a reality TV show. I'll invite superstars—including you. Games, questions, fun stuff."
"Oh, I'd be honored."
"So you'll come for free, right?"
"No."
"You're so stingy! I'll tell grandpa."
"Okay, okay. Fine. I'll come for free."
"That's better. Good for you, Mirabel."
She rolled her eyes playfully. "Alright, I'm leaving now."
"See you at the party."
Mirabel nodded and stepped into the elevator. She was still half-smiling when she bumped into a solid chest.
"Sorry, I—" Her words froze as she looked up.
Her body went rigid. Her eyes widened.
And the man staring down at her....looked stunned