The Double or more Life of the Fake Heiress (Mirabella) novel Chapter 499

He felt the sting of humiliation at the thought of it. Shawn's threat to break his legs wasn't exactly something you'd brag about at the bar.

Leo's gaze dropped, unable to meet his sister's eyes. "Look, for everyone's... safety, we're going to have to turn down any ad gigs for you," he said.

"Huh..." Collins, though confused, pondered for a moment before suggesting, "We could pass on the other offers, sure, but this photoshoot is one we can't just shove aside."

"It's easy," Leo waved dismissively, "I'll just do a shoot for them, free of charge."

Collins' expression twisted into a complicated grimace. That might have worked once upon a time, but now... After a few seconds of silence, he said, "They made it clear that they only want the photos with her." The subtext was clear – Leo, the star, had lost his shine.

Leo felt a sudden, overwhelming jab from the world around him.

Mirabella coughed and tilted her head toward Leo, who seemed to have retreated into his shell again. "So we do this shoot, then no more after that?"

Leo sighed inwardly. "Fine." It was the only way.

Mirabella turned her gaze back to the passing scenery outside the car window and pulled out her phone. She scrolled through her call log and dialed Nikolai back. The missed call during the photoshoot had been from Nikolai.

Leo turned to talk to Mirabella but stopped when he saw her on the phone.

The call connected quickly. Mirabella's eyes remained on the view outside as she spoke calmly, "Nikolai."

"Mirabella, I need your help urgently. Can you take leave... no, or I can come to your school and get you excused," Nikolai said without preamble, getting straight to the point. The urgency in Nikolai's voice was evident, suggesting the patient's condition was serious.

Mirabella pondered for a brief moment before responding, "No need. I didn't go to school today."

At that, a look of relief washed over Nikolai's somber face as he eagerly said, "Then do you have time now? I can send Asher to pick you up."

"No, just give me the address. I'll come myself," Mirabella declined.