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

"Completely wiped out."

James gently nudged Mirabella's head onto his chest, guiding her straight to the bedroom. Wyatt hesitated in the living room, unsure whether to leave or stay. He decided to wait around.

When James finally emerged from the bedroom, Wyatt seized the moment. "James, got a delivery from the Count's place."

James casually rolled up his sleeves and glanced over. "Oh, really?"

"It's an invite to a birthday shindig. Looks like Murray's rounded up all the bigwigs and bluebloods from Merrywoods." Wyatt had wasted no time digging into it once the invite hit his hands.

Given the recent end of the trade fair and the specific interest shown in Ms. Mirabella, Wyatt couldn't help but be a tad suspicious. The Shepherd family, after all, hadn't exactly been chummy with the Count's estate, let alone RSVP to a high- society bash.

Pondering it over, Wyatt added, "I reckon Murray's keen to butter you up for that order batch."

James plopped down on the sofa, leaned back with a casual air, and said, "Nah, pass."

"Gotcha." Wyatt, expecting as much, moved on. "Oh, and Curtis has managed to sneak into the first base."

A flicker of interest crossed James's face.

"But that place is on lockdown tighter than a drum. We've lost touch with Curtis since he got in." Wyatt sighed, a hint of exasperation creeping into his voice. "He's ranked seventh among hackers, yet not a peep from him all day."

"If it were Ms. Mirabella, she'd probably have cracked their network before breakfast."

Wyatt didn't mean to knock Curtis, but sometimes, you had to call it like it was.

James shot Wyatt a knowing look. "Tell Curtis to stay sharp. The first base is no playground."

"Will do." Wyatt straightened up, nodding. "I'll swing by the hospital to check on Ms. Mirabella's brother."

"Alright."

**By the time Mirabella stirred awake, it was already ten at night The room was wrapped in a cozy darkness, the curtains drawn tight, letting no light intrude.

She slowly sat up in bed, rubbed her temples, and flicked the light switch on the wall. As soon as the room brightened, the door creaked open.

"You're up."

James strolled in and perched on the bed's edge. His eyes lingered on Mirabella's now more slender face, and he couldn't help but sigh softly. Life without her around was no fun.

Feeling his gaze, Mirabella instinctively touched her face. "Is there something on my face?"

James' gaze remained steady as he gently pulled her hand to his chest. "Nope."

With her chin resting on his shoulder and her body wrapped in his embrace, Mirabella blinked. "What's up?"

James kept his silence, holding her close.

Mirabella: "..."

After a moment, a rumbling sound broke the silence.noveldrama

Mirabella: "..."

James finally eased his hold, giving her an amused look.

Mirabella turned her head away, expressionless. "Guess I'm starving."

"Haven't eaten in two days? You must be trying to achieve godhood," James teased, shaking his head

Without giving her a chance to

respond, he scooped her up and

carried her out.

On the dining table outside, a spread of restaurant dishes awaited, still warm.

James set Mirabella down on a chair, and as he glanced down, he noticed her slightly open collar. Her delicate neck was bare.