The Double or more Life of the Fake Heiress (Mirabella)

Calvin shot Zane a sidelong glance, his hands casually clasped behind his back as he strolled leisurely back to his desk. He pulled out a chair, sat down, and finally spoke. "This is the report Mr. Belcher gave me this morning. I reckon he wants my input before making the final decision."

Zane looked up, observing Calvin's composed demeanor. No wonder he had the audacity to suggest that Zane, his mentor, should assist his student. It was an offer he couldn't refuse, especially without the funding their department desperately needed.

Taking a deep breath, Zane approached the desk, placed the paper down, and leaned forward, his hands bracing the edge of the desk. His eyes, dark and intense, he spoke deliberately, "I can conduct the experiment for your student."

Upon hearing this, Calvin leaned back in his chair, a lazy sprawl. "Then I hope Mr. Zane will take special care with my student's experiment going forward."

It would have been simpler to agree earlier than to have made it so awkward.

Zane's fingers tightened around the edge of the desk as he continued, "But I have one condition."

Calvin had a hunch about what he might say and promptly responded, "Don't worry, I'll discuss the funding issue with Mr. Belcher seriously."

"That's one thing, but I also want to bring a student to observe," Zane stated firmly.

Calvin frowned slightly, "Can you ensure your student will keep the experimental data confidential?"

"Of course, after all, basic decency is still required," Zane replied with a hint of

sarcasm.

Calvin knew Zane was making a pointed remark, but he chose not to quibble over pettiness. After a brief pause, he agreed, "Fine."

After all, his department was filled with students who were more show than substance. Having a group of them observe wouldn't reveal anything substantial.

With Calvin's agreement, Zane said nothing more, straightened up, and turned to leave.

Calvin watched Zane's retreating figure, a smirk flickering across his lips before turning his attention back to the paper on his desk, his expression unreadable.

Soon after, he tucked the paper back into the drawer.

**

Mirabella had just reached the school's main gate when her phone buzzed in her pocket.

She took it out to see a call from Delilah and answered, "Hey, Mom."

Hearing her daughter's voice softened Delilah's previously stern expression instantly. "Mira, are you coming home for the Thanksgiving break?"

Mirabella walked towards the car parked by the curb, where Atlas had been waiting, and replied, "No, the break isn't long enough, and it's a busy time since school just started."

"Alright," Delilah nodded, hesitated for a moment, then added, "By the way, darling, has anyone unfamiliar approached you recently?"

"Mom, are you referring

from the Cunningham family?", Mirabella had reached the

nodded politely at Atlas bene

bending to get into the car

Delilah paused, "They've already approached you?"noveldrama

"Yes, a few days ago," Mirabella replied nonchalantly.

"What did they say?" Delilah asked, irritation creeping into her voice. t was bad enough her own family. sought her out, but involving her daughter was unacceptable.

"They didn't say much, just wanted me to meet someone. I didn't go," Mirabella was forthright.

Relieved, Delilah advised, "If they come looking again, don't bother with them. They're up to no good."

"Okay," Mirabella replied lightly, her fingers playing with a brown paper bag on her

lap.

After a few more words of caution, Delilah hung up the phone.

Sitting in silence for a moment, Delilah then picked up her phone again, scrolled through her call log, and dialed a number she had been avoiding.