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

After dinner, Mirabella was lounging in the living room, flipping through TV channels when her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, saw James's name flashing on the screen, and picked up right away.

"Can you step outside for a moment?" James said, casually leaning against his car door, looking effortlessly cool in a black trench coat that made him appear both aloof and intriguing. At his feet were several paper bags.

Without much thought, Mirabella replied, "Sure," and ended the call, heading towards the front door.

Soon enough, she was standing in front of James. "What's up?" she asked.

James lifted the bags and handed them to her. "These are gifts for Uncle Marian."

Mirabella raised an eyebrow, "Feeling generous, are we?"

"What can I say? If I want to marry their daughter, I've got to win them over," James said with a playful sigh.

Mirabella smirked, "Your charm offensive is getting more aggressive."

James passed the bag handles into her hands, gently clasping her hand, "How else will I seal the deal?"

Mirabella was used to James's touchy-feely ways by now. After standing silently for a couple of minutes, she glanced back at the house. "I should get back inside."

James gave her hand a final squeeze, "Alright."

Mirabella nodded, took the bags, and went back inside. Only when she was out of sight did James let a slight smile play on his lips before he got into his car and drove off.

*noveldrama

The next day, Mirabella found herself at the airport, seeing off Zach.

"Once I get that branch office up in Riverdale next year..." Zach started in the departure lounge.

Mirabella chuckled, taking it as a bit of banter. "Oh, by the way, Grady set you up with a personal trainer. Make sure you stick with it when you're back."

Zach's grin dropped instantly-he thought she was joking last time. "I'm not doing it."

Mirabella raised an eyebrow, "Take it up with Grady, see if he's on board with that."

Zach's face twitched. Did he really need to ask? The answer was obvious.

Checking her watch, Mirabella added, "You'd better get through security, Zach. Let me know when you're home safe."

Zach sighed, "Alright, call me if you need anything."

Mirabella nodded, "Safe journey."

With a wave, Zach and his assistant headed for the security line. Mirabella watched them until they disappeared, then turned to leave.

In the parking lot, Atlas was waiting by the car. Seeing Mirabella approach, he opened the door for her.

Just before getting in, Mirabella paused and glanced at Atlas. "Atlas, once Zach's back, could you arrange for a few more capable bodyguards to keep an eye on him?"

Atlas immediately understood her concern and nodded, "Of course, I'll handle it." Mirabella gave a small nod, "Thanks, Atlas, I appreciate it."

Atlas scratched his head with a sheepish grin, "No need for thanks, Miss Mira. Just doing my job."

With a smile, Mirabella got into the car.

**

Back home, Mirabella headed to her room, flipped open her laptop, and logged into The Mirror's website. The mercenary task she'd posted earlier had been accepted, and today was the day to finalize the payment.

After transferring the funds, curiosity got the better of the recipient, and they sent her a private message, "Why didn't you take this on yourself?"

Leaning back in her chair, Mirabella's fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment before she replied, "Got the cash, just looking for ways to spend it."

The person on the other end couldn't help but chuckle. Wasn't she just flaunting her wealth?