Too Late to Hold Me Back novel Chapter 1322

"How did you know?" Dominic asked, genuinely startled.

"Just a hunch. To be honest, I know my way around code too. Want to go head-to-head sometime?"

Mira was curious to see how Dominic's current skills stacked up. In her past life, she had already mastered all his signature techniques.

If his skills in this timeline were even sharper, she could still learn a trick or two from him.

"You're on," Dominic said, clearly intrigued.

"I have to admit, I'm incredibly curious about this adoptive mother of yours."

"Like I said, her past is a mystery even to me. Let's not pry into old wounds," Mira deflected smoothly, maintaining the air of mystery.

"Fair enough. Everyone has a right to their secrets."

With that, the dinner reached a perfect conclusion.

As they prepared to leave, Dominic pulled out a small envelope of cash and handed it to Mira. "You're still a minor, and this is our first official meeting. I can't let you leave empty-handed."

Mira found it amusing but knew it was impolite to reject a gesture from a senior figure.

"Since you're the man holding the nation's purse strings, does this envelope have a solid gold bullion inside?" she teased.

Dominic laughed heartily. "Don't put me on a pedestal, kid. I'm a public servant, not a billionaire."

His booming laughter echoed through the room, making Owen crack a smile as well.

"Seriously, I just manage the state's budget. When it comes to personal wealth, I couldn't hold a candle to you, Mira."

"There's only a thousand dollars in there. It's just a welcome gift, so don't be insulted."

"True. But their arrogance is the perfect cover. It gives you the space to build your empire in the shadows," Dominic analyzed. "Just know that if you pull a stunt like that again, they won't be caught off guard next time."

"Next time?" Ethan's eyes flashed with predatory confidence. "Next time, they won't even stand a chance against us."

"If you need liquidity for your next strike, the federal government will back you. I can even authorize top-tier security for your team," Dominic offered.

"Appreciate it!"

...

When Mira finally returned home, her adoptive mother practically sprinted to the door, beaming.

"Mira! I just learned a brand new recipe from Rachel. Come taste it and tell me what you think!"

When Rachel first started working at the house, Sarah had been a little overwhelmed. Rachel was used to the extravagant Mercer lifestyle, whipping up elaborate spreads with two heavy meat dishes for every single meal.