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

After hanging up the phone, Mirabella turned to James. "My friend invited me to dinner. Want to tag along?"

James's eyes got a bit more intense at the mention of a friend. He nodded, not turning down the invite but asked with curiosity, "When did you make a new friend?"

Mirabella let out a sigh, a mix of happiness and a touch of sadness. "Honestly, I've gained not just a friend but also a professor."

James's lips twitched slightly. "Having a mentor in college isn't a bad gig, right?"

"You just don't get it. It's like a fish losing its sense of fun," Mirabella replied, leaning lazily against the car door like a sly little fox.

"Isn't your fun all about making money?" James knew her habits better than she did.

"Money's just a thing. You've got to enjoy life while you can," Mirabella defended herself earnestly. "But yeah, having some savings is definitely wise."

James raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by her low-key brag.

Soon enough, they arrived at the restaurant Blaze had mentioned.

They had just settled in when Blaze walked in.

Seeing a handsome, charismatic guy beside Mirabella instead of the girl he had pictured, Blaze's tiny hope fizzled out.

"Hey, this is my friend, James," Mirabella introduced them quickly.

Blaze thought the name sounded familiar but couldn't place it. He asked outright, "Hey, are you from our school too?"

Bro?

James's face darkened. Didn't he look way younger than this guy?

Mirabella let out an unkind chuckle next to him.

James shot her a look, and she quickly stifled her laughter, though her lips stayed upturned.

James: "..."

"Nope," James replied flatly.

Blaze, not getting the hint, continued, "Your name rings a bell. Thought you were from our school."

James just took a sip of his coffee.

Clearing her throat, Mirabella asked, "So, you said you had something to talk about. What's going on?"

"There's an academic conference coming up, and our team has a spare spot. It's a rare chance. Want to join us, Mira?" Blaze asked

Mirabella, no longer trying to

remember where he'd hear ant

James's name.

It sounded like a dull, tedious event to Mirabella. Without a second thought, she declined, "Thanks, but I probably don't have the credentials for such a conference, so I don't want to take up a spot."

Blaze had come in with high hopes, thinking Mira, being so agreeable, would

surely say yes. Her refusal caught him off guard.

Quickly regaining his composure, he continued to persuade, "It's a team event, so you're not taking anyone's spot. Plus, the calculation problem you helped us solve the other day is the theme of this conference so you're more than qualified.

Mirabella immediately thought of Dr. Elliot, who had insisted she visit the lab that day. It seemed he had secretly set her up for this.noveldrama

"Sorry, buddy, our biology department has a research project on, and I probably won't have the time. You can ask our department professor if you want to check."

Mirabella shook her head again.

Seeing her reluctance, Blaze's face fell. He had bragged about this to the professor, and now, if he couldn't deliver, he'd be in a real pickle!