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."