The Double ( or More ?) Life of The Fake Heiress

Collins tapped on his conversation with Mirabella, scanning for any irregularities. Finding none, he casually remarked, “My Messenger’s working just fine. Why don’t you send another message to double–check?”

Mirabella responded by sending an emoji, which, to her frustration, bounced back, “Looks like I’m on your NôvelDrama.Org © 2024.

block list.”

The mention of being blocked suddenly reminded her of a certain goofball she had blocked on her own Messenger list.

“Blocked? Why on earth would I block you…” Collins began with a chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief as he navigated to his settings and checked the block list. His speech trailed off abruptly when he spotted Mirabella’s nickname among the blocked contacts

Holy smokes, this was some kind of witchcraft! Since when had he ever blocked Mirabella?

Rubbing his eyes, Collins began to suspect he’d stumbled into the most bizarre mystery of the year. quickly unblocked her.

“Mirabella, I swear I had no idea you were blocked. I would never do such a low–down thing.” Collins explained with utmost seriousness. After all, it was more likely for Leo to end up on that list than Mirabella.

He

Mirabella, although baffled, decided not to dwell on the issue. “No biggie. I should be able to get out of tomorrow morning’s shoot. I’ll ask for a personal day”

“Alright, I’ll swing by and pick you up at nine,” Collins said:

“Cool.”

With the call ended, Collins stared at his phone screen, lost in thought. He couldn’t for the life of him figure out why he had blocked Mirabella.

Shaking his head to clear it, he looked around the open space that served as both a living and dining room before his gaze drifted toward the studio. A look of confusion crossed his face

Weird, wasn’t Leo just here when I was on the phone? Where’d he vanish to?

On the other end, Mirabella sent a text to Annette, asking for a day off

Given her stellar academic record and Annette’s impression of her as a particularly well–behaved student, Annette didn’t hesitate to approve the request, even without a reason provided in the message.

With a a slight smile and a lighter heart, Mirabella put away her phone as the Mendoza family’s dinner party got underway

Considering James‘ status, Knox hadn’t placed Mirabella and James at the main table, but they weren’t seated with other guests either–a gesture of special treatment

Feeling peckish, Mirabella didn’t stand on ceremony once the food was served. She dove in, focusing on her meal.

The dinner included a round of toasts, starting with the hosts and followed by the guests at their own

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10:07

Asher’s eyes occasionally drifted over to Mirabella and James‘ table, and after a while, he approached with a glass of wine in hand, his intention clear as day.

“Hi Mr. James,” Asher said, nodding respectfully with a smile plastered across his face.

James, busy serving Mirabella some food, took his time responding. Finally, he set down the utensils and looked up at Asher. “I’ll pass on the drink, thanks,” James said coolly.

Asher’s hand stiffened around his wine glass, his smile freezing in place. After a few awkward seconds, his voice came out a bit parched. “Water, then. Wateris fine.”

James took a casual sip from his cup of tea, set it down, and withdrew his gaze. conversation without another word.

effectively ending the