The Double or more Life of the Fake Heiress (Mirabella) novel Chapter 552

Zach's phone buzzed to life, and he fished it out of his pocket to see Shawn's name flash across the screen. Carefully stepping aside in his slippers, he pressed the answer button and moved to speak privately.

Watching her brother, Mirabella let out a sigh and turned to James with a helpless expression. "Sorry about that."

James cleared his throat, a gentle understanding lighting up his radiant face. "You know, your brother Zach... he's quite the character."

"It's generous of you to speak up for him," Mirabella glanced at James before her gaze wandered around, asking casually, "Where's your grandfather?"

"He's been taken home," James replied softly.

Mirabella nodded in acknowledgment.

"Nikolai called me a couple of days ago and mentioned you treated a patient for him," James said, his clear gaze seemingly touching on the topic by chance.

Mirabella turned back, leaning on the armrest of the sofa, her beautiful eyes revealing an indifferent glint. "It wasn't a charity case."

Remembering Mirabella's miserly nature, James raised an eyebrow. After a brief pause, he added, "Nikolai has organized a luncheon in your honor at Blossom's Eden for tomorrow noon. Will you be attending?"

At the mention of the luncheon, Mirabella's eyebrows knitted slightly. She pondered for a moment and was about to respond when Zach, having finished his call, spun around. When he noticed his sister and that jerk were too close for comfort, his eyes darkened, and he immediately strode over.

Zach pulled Mirabella to the side and stepped in front of her defensively. "It's getting late. We should head home."

Mirabella facepalmed, holding back her words.

Wyatt was momentarily surprised, but seeing the serious look on James' face, he didn't ask any questions and simply nodded, getting to work on the task.

*

Outside the neighboring villa, Zach launched into big brother mode. "Mira, I'm telling you, you should keep your distance from that James guy. He's up to no good."

The mere thought of James feigning vulnerability and the idea of a pair of couple's slippers for Mirabella made his teeth itch with irritation.

Mirabella just gave him a nonchalant glance, not bothering to respond, and continued walking home.

Zach touched his nose, feeling somewhat cowed every time he received that look from his sister. All the things he wanted to say seemed to get stuck in his throat. So his attention shifted to the two books Mirabella was carrying in her arms, a silent change of topic.