The Double or more Life of the Fake Heiress (Mirabella) novel Chapter 225

Mr. Hammond’s face suddenly took on a serious cast as a thought struck him. “If you ever run into trouble you can’t handle, feel free to come see me. I’ve got a fair number of friends around here.”

Had anyone familiar with Mr. Hammond been present, they would have been astounded.

Mr. Hammond was a native of Riverdale, and with the Hammond family name behind him. The Hammonds might not have been the crème de la crème, but they were still blue-bloods through and through. Truth be told, the Gilberts didn’t hold a candle to the Hammonds. His offer was tantamount to bringing Mirabella under the wing of the Hammonds themselves.

Mirabella offered a smile, although she didn’t need his help. She replied with a sweet, “Thank you, Mr. Hammond. I appreciate it.”

Mr. Hammond felt a tinge of sentimentality, and thinking of Summer, he couldn’t help but add some advice, “Sometimes, being too naive isn’t good. It’s important to keep your guard up.”

Mirabella looked up at Mr. Hammond and, seeing his earnest expression, she touched her nose, thinking, “Well, looks like my goody-two-shoes act is quite convincing.”

“With the nationals coming up next week, make sure you’re ready. We’re all counting on you to shine at the international competition,” Mr. Hammond reminded her.

Should Mirabella score well internationally, it would catapult her career to new heights, and she wouldn’t have to entertain any more slander or compromise from her foster father. In a world where power and strength reigned supreme, only by standing tall could one avoid being wronged at every turn.

Oblivious to Mr. Hammond’s thoughts, Mirabella threw up an “OK” sign. “Don’t worry. I’ll bring home that international trophy for you.”

After a pause, she added, “But I won’t actually be able to hand it over to you.” It was, after all, meant for her dear Catherine.

Mr. Hammond’s lips twitched. He knew she had a competitive streak, and not wanting to dampen her spirits, he simply warned, “The international competition is a different ballgame. It’s filled with top contenders.”

Mirabella’s eyebrows shot up, and her voice was laced with pride, “That’s what makes it exciting.”