The Double or more Life of the Fake Heiress (Mirabella) novel Chapter 524

Johnny had been knee-deep in municipal tender documents lately, so his memory of the companies on the bid list was sharp. Strolling over to Owen, he said, "Gilbert Corporation threw their hat in the ring for the bid."

"Did they?" Owen glanced at Johnny, his expression as tranquil as a still pond, then looked away and remarked coolly, "Let's take a closer look at them then."

Johnny nodded in agreement, "Got it."

Owen flung back the covers and slowly got out of bed, standing up in his baggy pajamas, which hung loosely over his lean frame. As he dressed, he added, "Don't roll out the red carpet for them. If they make the grade, they stay."

"Understood," Johnny responded softly.

Owen’s rise to his current position at such a young age was due in no small part to his reputation for impartiality, refusing to let nepotism creep in anywhere.

The fact that he'd even mentioned giving Gilbert Corporation a closer inspection was a rare move. Offering them an opportunity was a nod to Ms. Mirabella's influence. Whether Gilbert Corporation had the chops to seize it was another matter entirely.

*

Mirabella glanced at the text from an unknown number on her phone. It was brief, with no name attached, just a simple "Thank you." Resting her forehead in her hand, she didn't bother to inquire who sent it, dismissing the message like junk mail and deleting it.

Her friend Jenna, who'd been on the brink of a breakdown from the relentless math drills, lifted her weary head only to catch the sight of Mirabella, the picture of relaxation, idly scrolling through her phone.

The comparison stoked Jenna's frustration, and she slammed her pen down, exasperated, "Babe, could you please show a little sympathy for this lab rat you've trapped!"