The Double or more Life of the Fake Heiress (Mirabella) novel Chapter 488

Asher stood there, awkward as ever, caught between a rock and a hard place. To drink or not to drink — that was the question. His every move seemed to amplify his discomfort under the indifferent gaze of James. It was obvious to him that James was deliberately ignoring him, acting as if he didn't even exist.

After a moment of hesitation, Asher took the plunge and downed his drink. Clearing his throat, he ventured, “Mr. James, if you ever find yourself with some free time, you're welcome to drop by the Reeves estate.”

James hardly looked up, offering only a noncommittal grunt, his tone laced with a hint of impatience that was hard to miss.

Mirabella, who had been enjoying her meal, glanced up at Asher, then gave a mysterious look that swept from him to Asher and back again before she returned to her dinner.

Asher caught that brief exchange of looks and frowned. In the past, James had always treated him with a courtesy befitting his father's reputation, but today, things were different. His gaze shifted to Mirabella, suspecting that she might have whispered something in James' ear.

At that moment, Asher's already nonexistent fondness for Mirabella plummeted into the negatives.

Then Vincent, having shed his chef's apron, entered the main hall. His eyes scanned the room before heading straight for Mirabella's table. Upon spotting Asher, Vincent nodded politely. “Asher.”

That simple acknowledgment broke the awkward silence that had enveloped Asher. With a serene smile, Asher gathered himself. “Vincent, your culinary skills have really come a long way under your grandfather's tutelage. Impressive, truly.”

Vincent's lips twitched into a modest smile. “Thank you, Asher. You flatter me.”

Then Vincent turned to Mirabella, pulled out the chair beside her without the formalities and sat down. “Mirabella, how do you find the dishes tonight?” His eyes were bright and clear, still holding the innocence of a teenager.

James, sitting nearby, cast a cursory glance at Vincent. A schoolmate, perhaps?