The Double or more Life of the Fake Heiress (Mirabella) novel Chapter 3

"Since you're here, there's something I want to make clear today, and I hope you can take care of it," Mandy declared with a return to her aristocratic demeanor. Though she spoke of hope, the undercurrent of her words suggested a command rather than a request.

Mirabella chuckled, and before she could respond, her grandmother, Catherine – who had raised her from childhood – made her presence known. Catherine gently patted Mandy's arm, signaling her to tone it down before turning her softened gaze to Mirabella. "Mira, you're back. How did the competition go?"-

With a nonchalant hum, Mirabella replied, "Not too bad, I guess."

"Did you win?" asked Catherine, the excitement clear in her voice.

"Yeah, first place," Mirabella responded casually, without a hint of pride in her eyes, as if clinching the top spot was a walk in the park for her.

Upon hearing this, Catherine was so delighted that she wiped away a tear. "Good girl."

Mandy frowned, not understanding, and questioned Catherine, "First place in what competition?"

Catherine turned to her with a proud smile and began, "You might not know, but Mira is not only a stellar student but also..."

Mandy massaged her temples, perplexed by Catherine's delusion. "She's been living off the Gilbert family for seventeen years while my daughter suffered. Mom, get a grip. Don't just recognize anyone as family! You see her as kin, but she might just be using you, trying to swindle some money to send back to her real parents..."

"You stop!" Catherine trembled with rage. "I raised Mira myself. I know exactly what kind of person she is, so don't you dare cast your malicious suspicions on her."

Mandy's face turned ashen with anger. "You can't tell right from wrong. Mom, I think you're really sick in the head."

Now in her sixties and with a heart condition, Catherine grew pale and clutched her chest tightly in response to Mandy's harsh words. Seeing this, Mirabella placed what she was holding on the ground and quickly moved to Catherine's side. She helped Catherine to a nearby wicker chair and took her wrist in her hand, checking her pulse.