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

Elliot chuckled and shook his head, his attention drifting from his students to the papers on the coffee table. He was about to say something when Mirabella jumped in.

"Professor, let's not even discuss my participation in this project. I'm not qualified, nor am I a researcher," she said.

Elliot gave her a sideways glance. "You seem to have done your homework."

Mirabella let out an awkward laugh and switched topics. "But if there are other research projects with good funding, do let me know."

"Good funding?" Elliot raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Is money more important than gaining experiences?"

Mirabella crossed her legs, speaking softly, "You can always add to your experiences, but if you miss a grant, it's gone for good."

Elliot was puzzled. "What kind of reasoning is that? Are you strapped for cash?"

Such a bright student, yet caught up in worldly concerns?

"Yeah, I am, actually," Mirabella admitted frankly.

Hearing this, Elliot, unable to stand by and watch his student struggle, pulled out his phone. As he opened Messenger to transfer some money, he said, "Let me help you out a bit, just to tide you over."

When Messenger dinged, Mirabella looked confused. She had mentioned needing money, not being completely broke.

After sending the money, Elliot had another thought. He shared Mirabella's Messenger contact with a few of his other students: [Meet your junior. Send her a little something and don't be stingy; she might need some support.]

Once done, Elliot put his phone away and turned to Mirabella. "I've shared your contact with some of your seniors. They'll add you soon, so make sure to accept."

Mirabella felt her cheeks flush, sensing things were going in an unexpected direction.

Elliot gathered the documents from the coffee table and headed to his desk, waving her off. "You can head back now. And don't forget to read those books I lent you."

Mirabella just stood there, speechless.

Shortly after, she left Elliot's office and made her way to the elevator. Finally pulling out her phone, she saw Dr. Elliot's transfer of ten grand, pressing a hand to her forehead with a bit of disbelief.

As the elevator dinged open, she sighed about her financial woes, slipped her

phone back into her pocket without accepting the money, and stepped in.

*

At the school gate, Mirabella bumped into Yara, who was on her phone. It felt familiar, like déjà vu, reminding her of their brief encounter at a restaurant's restroom.

Yara hung up the call and noticed Mirabella, nodding politely. "Hey there."

"Hi," Mirabella replied.noveldrama

Putting her phone away, Yara scanned the curb and asked warmly, "Where are you headed? Need a lift?"

The Blake family's driver was already waiting by the curb.

"Thanks, but I've got a ride," Mirabella said, gesturing to a car nearby.

Yara nodded, mentioning she had to get to the hospital, and didn't press further. "Alright then, see you around."

Mirabella nodded back.

She walked over to the sedan parked at the curb, where Atlas had been picking her up lately, driving a regular Volkswagen.

Meanwhile, Yara got into her car and waited a moment. Noticing Jules, the driver, hadn't started moving, she glanced at him curiously. "Uncle Jules, what's caught your eye?"