The Double or more Life of the Fake Heiress (Mirabella) novel Chapter 1296

Gracie was too focused on the glass of water and medicine in her hands to notice her daughter's subtle movements. She walked over to Lisa's bed, took a seat, and asked with genuine concern, "Are you feeling any better?"

Lisa pulled the blanket up higher, trying to avoid looking at Ben standing behind her mom, her eyes dull and tired. "Still feeling awful. I just want some peace and quiet."

Gracie set the glass down and touched Lisa's forehead. No fever. A small relief. "If you're really not feeling well, we should see a doctor. Don't let it become something serious."

"It's just a little cold," Lisa replied, eyes closing to signal she didn't want to talk about it.

Gracie let out a small sigh and gestured toward Ben. "Emmitt dropped everything to come check on you as soon as he heard you were sick."

Lisa smirked slightly, knowing her mom was charmed by Ben. She just mumbled a noncommittal response before pulling the blanket over her head completely.

Gracie glanced awkwardly at Ben, puzzled about why her daughter, once so attached to her brother, now acted so coldly towards him.

Clearing her throat, she couldn't bring herself to say much in front of Ben. She noticed the fast-acting cold medicine he'd brought from the medical school on the nightstand. Tugging at Lisa's blanket, she said, "Take your medicine before you sleep."

Lisa turned but didn't budge, so Gracie nudged her again.

Even with Ben turned away, Lisa could feel his presence and it made her uneasy. After a few moments of stubborn silence, Lisa sat up, swallowed the medicine with a gulp of water, and lay back down.

Gracie watched her daughter burrow under the covers again, sat quietly for a moment, and then tucked her in before leaving the room with Ben.

Once outside, Gracie gave Ben a weary smile. "Lisa's just going through a phase. Try not to take it personally."

"It's fine. Maybe there's something I'm not doing right as her brother," Ben said with his usual calm demeanor.

Gracie struggled to find the right words for her daughter, finally saying, "She'll come around eventually and see how much you care."