The Double or more Life of the Fake Heiress (Mirabella) novel Chapter 39

James cradled the coffee mug in his hands, taking a sip with a refined air. "After you left, your grandmother had quite a bit to share with me."

Mirabella thought of Catherine, who rose at the crack of dawn to cook breakfast and silently waited at the doorstep each evening with a warm smile playing at the edges of her lips. "How is Granny doing?"

"She's managing, I guess. Though she's not quite as spirited as she used to be. Probably misses you and needs someone to brighten her mood," James spoke gently.

Mirabella's eyes fell slightly, a momentary silence enveloping her. On the day Mirabella left Elm Creek, she hadn't waited for her grandmother's return from the hospital because she feared the parting would be too sorrowful.

Catching her expression, James added, "But your foster mother brought her over here. If you want to see her, you can do so anytime."

With a soft hum, Mirabella acknowledged the information. She was aware that Mandy had brought her granny over, so it wasn't a surprise. However, Mirabella looked at James with a complicated gaze and asked, "How come you know so much?"

Back in Elm Creek, when James lived next door, he rarely mingled with them, and Mirabella didn't recall her granny mentioning him.

James arched an eyebrow and deflected, "I also know where your grandmother is staying now."

At his words, Mirabella's response was tinged with mock amusement, "With all this knowledge, you wouldn't happen to be a bodyguard my foster mother hired, would you?"

The smirk on James' lips twitched at the idea.

A bodyguard? Him?

It took him a moment to coolly reply, "You certainly have an active imagination."

"Thanks for the compliment," Mirabella replied airily, pausing before adding with a hint of disdain, "But honestly, I can't imagine my foster mother being generous enough to hire a bodyguard."

James snorted softly.

Just then, the waiter arrived with their meals. Once the dishes were served and they were alone again, James seemed to recall something and inquired, "Were you stopped outside Parkside High School this morning because the security took your acceptance letter?"