The Double or more Life of the Fake Heiress (Mirabella) novel Chapter 43

"Why'd you show up today?" Catherine grumbled discontentedly, pausing before seemingly noticing Mandy's companion for the first time. "Oh, Summer's here too, huh?" Her tone was laced with a hint of dismissiveness.

Summer's expression stiffened momentarily, but she managed a smile and greeted, "Hey, Grandma."

"How come I can't come over? Are Summer and I strangers now and not supposed to be here or something?" Mandy was almost amused by her own mother's irritation.

"Why didn't you at least give me a call before dropping by?" Catherine muttered under her breath. She wouldn't have invited Mira over today if she'd known Mandy was bringing Summer.

"Summer went out of her way to pick up some nice things for you, and you're acting like you don't even want to see her. Mom, can we not play favorites so blatantly?"

Mandy felt like Mirabella utterly bewitched her mother, who showed such coldness to her own flesh and blood. It was like she was beyond saving.

"You never showed much affection for Mira either!" Catherine snapped back with a hint of sarcasm.

Mandy pinched the bridge of her nose. "Let's not argue about it. I just hope you can treat us equally, that's all."

"Who wants to argue with you? You came in here all accusatory, ruining a perfectly good mood," Catherine huffed, displaying her stubborn streak.

Mandy's face darkened instantly, and Summer, noticing the tension, quickly interjected with a smile, "Mom, didn't you buy Grandma a beautiful emerald jewelry set? Why don't you show it to her?"

As she spoke, Summer instructed the butler to bring the box over and looped her arm through Catherine's, "Don't be upset, Grandma. Let's sit down and see if you like the jewelry, okay?"