Chapter 987
I’m simply managing my own schedule p>
It wasn’t that she feared Felicia; she simply refused to waste oxygen on insignificant people.
“Alright then. Your marksmanship is already solid, just keep practicing when you have the time,” York told her, resigning himself to the situation.
“Stay safe out there p>
With that final warning, he turned and walked away with Colonel Quincy.
Mira flashed a bright smile at the surrounding recruits. “I’m heading out, guys. We’ll catch up and spar some other time p>
And just like that, she turned on her heel and strutted off.
Felicia was left standing dumbfounded in the middle of the field. She had bent over backward, calling in massive favors just to drag Colonel Quincy out here.
She had banked on using her ‘instructor’ status to humiliate and torment Mira. She never anticipated that her target would simply walk away without a second glance.
Mira headed straight to her quarters to pack her duffel bag. A few minutes later, Owen called. “The car is pulling up to the main gate now p>
With York gone, Callum escorted her to the exit in a military jeep.
Despite only knowing her for two days, the recruits all rallied at the gate to see her off.
Mira passed out the rest of her snacks and handed out a stack of premium vouchers for the Solflare Grand Hotel.
“Take these. Treat yourselves to a decent meal on your next leave p>
As the jeep rolled out of the base, she spotted her private convoy. Owen and a detail of security personnel were waiting by the SUVs, eyes locked on the gates.
“Callum, my family is here to pick me up. You don’t have to escort me any further,” Mira offered.
“I told you guys not to bother. The military was perfectly capable of ensuring her safe return,” Callum called out as he parked.
(merged)
Owen offered a polite nod, a half-smile playing on his lips. “We just didn’t trust your military transport p>
“You’re paranoid. No one in Aethelgard has a death wish big enough to intercept a military convoy,” Callum countered.
It was the absolute truth. Attacking a military vehicle was a surefire way to summon the full wrath of the federal government.
“It’s a sensitive time. Better safe than sorry,” Owen replied smoothly.
Mira slid into the back of her SUV, but Callum kept the jeep right on their tail, escorting them all the way to her private estate’s entrance.
“Since you’re already here, why don’t you come up for a bit?” Mira invited him through the rolled-down window.
“I’d love to see where the famous Boss Mercer lives, but it’s getting dark. Maybe next time.” Callum was hesitant to intrude.
(merged)
“You trained us during Orientation. We go way back. Come on up, it won’t take long. Who knows when we’ll get another chance p>
As a high-ranking officer, Callum escorting her personally was ostensibly a formal duty, but it was heavily driven by their personal camaraderie.
Otherwise, he could have easily delegated the task to a low-ranking driver.
Swayed by her genuine invitation, Callum and two of his men followed the group inside. The moment they walked through the door, the aroma of Rachel’s freshly baked sliders hite them.
“Perfect timing. Dig in. I know you guys don’t get much home-cooked food on base,” Mira urged.
They didn’t stand on ceremony. After washing their hands, they piled around the kitchen island.
Martha served them steaming bowls of savory stew and a few side dishes, and the soldiers devoured the meal with obvious delight.
Having already eaten at the base, Mira just sipped some soup while keeping them company.
By the time they finished, night had fully blanketed the city.
Eleanor, acting with classic grandmotherly hospitality, insisted on pressing a small, meticulously carved jade good luck charmint each of their hands.
They tried to refuse, but Eleanor wouldn’t hear of it. “Take them, boys. They aren’t worth much financially, but they’ve been blessed Keep them
for peace of mind: