The Double or more Life of the Fake Heiress (Mirabella) novel Chapter 717

Mirabella, not noticing Nick's expression, helped Catherine up the steps and casually asked, "What's he back for?"

"Just dropping by to check on this old lady," Catherine chuckled, her eyes lighting up with a fond memory. "James is a good man, really. Since I got back, he's visited me quite a few times."

Mirabella's eyebrows shot up in surprise; she had never heard that guy mention any of this.

She nodded, "Yeah, a good man."

Nick glanced at his sister and Catherine, his eyes slightly downcast. A good man? He doubted they'd ever seen James's other, more ruthless side.

"Didn't James use to live next door? That house must've fallen into disrepair, completely uninhabitable now, so I let him stay with us," Catherine added.

Mirabella blinked, recalling that the neighboring house didn't seem uninhabitable when she passed by earlier.

By now, Catherine had moved into the living room, pulling out a pair of brand-new men's slippers for Nick. "Mirabella, the place is a bit modest, hope you don't mind."

Nick nodded politely, "Grandma, please, it's quite nice here."

Walking into the house, the building did show its age, but the living room, while not lavishly furnished, was meticulously clean and tidy—a testament to Catherine's attention to detail.

Catherine gestured for Nick to sit down and then mumbled something about James checking on the stove before heading to the kitchen.

Mirabella let her go, casually grabbing disposable cups from a cabinet and filling them with warm water. Handing one to Nick, she paused for a moment before saying, "Nick, if you're not comfortable here, I can book a hotel for you tonight."

Nick, holding the cup but not drinking, just looked at Mirabella. "Do I seem like the type to fuss?"

Besides, if the Shepherd family could stay here, why couldn't he?

Then, James followed Catherine from the kitchen, both carrying dishes.

James met Nick's sharp gaze, understanding the unspoken challenge. He pursed his lips, setting the dish on the table while offering a polite and friendly greeting, "Nick, good to see you."

Nick, hearing his own name, frowned slightly. After a brief pause, he hummed in acknowledgment.

Catherine glanced at both men before signaling James to stop helping, then she returned to the kitchen for more plates and cutlery.

Suddenly, only James and Nick were left in the room.

To be continued...