The Double or more Life of the Fake Heiress (Mirabella) novel Chapter 401

Zach was carrying a paper bag, his grip firm yet casual. As he caught sight of his sister, he quickly stashed it behind his back, cutting off her line of sight. "Ah, I'm not heading out, just thinking of taking a stroll around the block."

Mirabella's delicate features were etched with suspicion. She glanced at the hand he had concealed and said, "Oh, well, enjoy your walk then." With that, she stepped aside, clearing the path with a considerate and sweet demeanor.

Zach stood rooted to the spot, torn between going and staying since he never intended to take a walk in the first place.

Mirabella raised an eyebrow. "Zach?"

"I suddenly don't feel like walking anymore," he blurted out, pivoting back toward the house.

Back in the living room, Shawn, noticing Zach's swift return, set his tea cup aside and asked with a tinge of curiosity, "Weren't you going to visit the neighbors next door?"

Following Zach, Mirabella paused briefly, her gaze shifting to his retreating figure. Her eyes narrowed, landing on the paper bag in his hand. Was he not out for a walk?

Sensing the scrutiny from behind, Zach felt a flicker of guilt and, without turning around, mumbled to Shawn, "It's gotten too late. I'll go another day."

"I did mention it was getting late, but you wouldn't listen." Shawn shook his head in mild reproof.

Zach was speechless. Great, his dad was the master of timing.

With a half-smile, Mirabella sidled up to Zach, her tall frame exuding none of the frailty her gender might suggest. She lazily slung an arm over his shoulder. "Zach, how about I accompany you to the neighbors' right now?"

Shawn poured the coffee for himself, Mira and his wife.

Standing aside and slowly realizing something was amiss, Zach adjusted his glasses. Had his father forgotten something? Didn't Zach need coffee, too?

Shawn, oblivious to his son's expectant gaze, remembered something else. He stood and retrieved a square box from a nearby cabinet.

"Mira, give this to your classmate's dad. The one who gave you that painting last time," Shawn handed over the box.

Mirabella accepted it without opening, simply inquiring, "What's inside?"