The Double or more Life of the Fake Heiress (Mirabella) novel Chapter 153

Summer knew all too well her place in the Gilbert household. To the casual observer, Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert doted on her, but their affection was merely the result of her newfound fame from the reality show Superstar Camp, which had brought a gleam of pride to their eyes and bragging rights at the country club.

But when compared to her younger brother Aiden, it seemed she could do no right. His presence alone was enough to cast her as the perpetual villain, no matter the circumstance.

Regret had gnawed at her more than once, wondering why she ever returned to the Gilberts' posh suburban home when life with the Davises had been free of such indignities.

However, when she thought of her foster parents, the Davises, her emotions tangled into a knot of resentment. Despite their wealth, they chose to masquerade as a hard-up family, their façade far more repugnant than the Gilberts' blatant callousness.

Taking a deep breath, Summer tried to suppress the surge of unpleasant memories clawing at her mind.

Sensing her own bias, Mandy reached out and gently patted Summer's hand, her voice softening. "Your brother's got a sharp tongue and a short fuse, but he means no harm. Try to cut him some slack, will you?"

A small, forced smile flickered across Summer's lips as she murmured an indifferent agreement.

Aiden sauntered over and perched himself nonchalantly on the arm of the sofa, feigning boredom. "So, how did that little scaredy-cat do on her exams this time?"

Summer gave him a blank look, not catching on to whom he was referring.

"Scaredy-cat?" echoed Mandy, equally puzzled.

Aiden snorted dismissively. "You know, Mirabella, the one who grew up at Grandma's."

Taking a breath to calm herself, Summer softened her voice. "I really don't know, and why would I care? We're hardly friends."

After a pause, she turned the tables, her eyes fixing on Aiden. "But you seem quite interested in her, don't you?"

"Me? Interested? Don't make stuff up," Aiden blurted out, worried Summer would spill the beans about the time he'd been beaten up at Parkside High School while looking for Mirabella. With that, he stood up and bolted away as fast as he could.

Summer watched him go with a mocking glint in her eye. Mandy missed the undercurrents between them. The mention of grades reminded her of something else, and she turned back to Summer. "Oh, that reminds me, I forgot to ask you last time—did Mirabella get knocked out of the city competition?"

Aiden, halfway up the stairs, paused at her words, turning his head back to listen.