Too Late to Hold Me Back novel Chapter 895

As for the tradition of visiting distant relatives and associates, it simply didn't exist in Mira's world.

She had laid down the law well in advance with Felix Grant and Kieran Holt.

"We don't do holiday house calls at this company. Crushing it at your jobs is the best gift you can give me. We grind all year round, so during the holidays, focus entirely on your families. If you absolutely feel the need to send greetings, drop a text in Emerald Messenger."

To Mira, time was everything. It was her empire, her fortune, her knowledge, and the fleeting moments she got to spend with her chosen family.

She had very few people she truly cared about in this world—just her mentor, Grandma Eleanor, Rachel, and Owen. This rare stretch of peaceful days together was far too precious to squander.

Her executives implicitly understood her boundaries and had no desire to waste their hard-earned time off on hollow social pleasantries.

As a result, Mira actually managed to enjoy a few days of genuine tranquility.

...

When the new term finally began, Mira headed back to Aethelgard University. She and Jax Weaver were just approaching the main gates when a ragged group of adults dragged several young, elementary-aged children directly into their path.

The morning rush was in full swing, and the chaotic scene instantly drew a massive crowd of curious onlookers.

"Miss Mercer, please, have mercy on us! We're begging you, we simply can't afford to keep our kids in school!"

The group suddenly collapsed onto the pavement, aggressively blocking her path as they sobbed hysterically.

Silas Vane immediately threw an arm out, shoving Mira back to create a protective barrier, while Jax stepped aggressively to the front. "Back off! Keep your distance!"

Their finely honed street instincts screamed that something was deeply wrong.

Murmurs began to ripple through the growing crowd. "How can she be so cold? Isn't she supposed to be a public figure? A famous entrepreneur? She's clearly blowing them off."

"Seriously. She's got millions. What would it cost her to help them out? Look how desperate they are."

"Makes you wonder if all her charity work is just a PR stunt."

The logic finally pierced through the crowd's outrage.

Mira pressed her advantage. "If you're in genuine financial distress, Solflare Entertainment operates an incredibly well-funded charity foundation. You are perfectly welcome to submit your documents and apply through the proper channels."

"Exactly," Harvey agreed sharply. "If your application gets rejected, it means you're a fraud. You're just trying to shake her down for a quick payday."

"Spit it out. What's your real objective? Who sent you?" Jax roared, his stance lethal.

Just then, out of the corner of her eye, Mira caught a metallic blur rocketing toward her from behind. Silas violently shoved her aside just as the projectile slammed into his heavy jacket.

In a fluid, explosive motion, Mira pivoted and unleashed a devastating kick. The attacker took the brutal hit, crashing heavily into the ornamental bushes before desperately scrambling away into the chaos.

They couldn't afford to break formation and pursue him. Splitting their defensive line would leave Mira exposed to a secondary attack.

Seizing the sudden eruption of violence, the fake beggars who had been putting on a show completely abandoned their act and frantically tried to disappear into the crowd.