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

Taylor's gaze towards Mirabella was noticeably more polite this time, offering her genuine compliments in a friendly tone.

Meg watched, her fingers tightening involuntarily. Taylor hadn't treated her like that just moments ago.

Mirabella, oblivious to Meg's reaction, checked her watch and politely said,

"Thank you, but I really should be heading back to class."

After saying this, she glanced at Matthew, nodded in acknowledgment, and made to leave.

Just then, Mr. Hammond parted the curtains and stepped backstage. Seeing Mirabella about to leave, he called out to her, "Mirabella."

Mirabella stopped in her tracks and turned around, a question in her eyes.

Mr. Hammond smiled and said, "Don't rush off after school. I've booked a table for us and a few of the seniors to have dinner together."

"Oh, I can't tonight," Mirabella replied with a shake of her head. "I have family commitments. Mr. Hammond, you guys go ahead without me."

She couldn't miss her brother Zach's birthday dinner; he'd never let her hear the end of it for the rest of the year.

Mr. Hammond felt a twinge of disappointment upon hearing this. He had hoped to foster more interaction between Mirabella and the top students from Prestige College, thinking it would benefit her future at the college. After all, having a solid network can make all the difference.

But seeing she had prior commitments, he didn't press the matter and waved her off, "Alright then, there will be other opportunities."noveldrama

"Sure."

Soon after, Mirabella left.

Once she was out of sight, Mr. Hammond turned back to Taylor, Meg, and the others with a chuckle, "Mirabella's got a great personality. I hope you guys, as her seniors, can look out for her in the future."

"Of course," Taylor responded readily.

Matthew nodded in agreement, thinking Mirabella might soon become a junior member of their circle; it was only natural to want to take care of her.

Meg, who had missed the final part of the speech competition and was unaware of Mirabella's status as a direct admit to Prestige College, felt puzzled by Mr. Hammond's comment. Still, she didn't want to pry and simply nodded along, hiding her confusion.

Noticing Anthony nearby, Mr. Hammond excused himself to the trio, "I've got some things to take care of. Why don't you head to my office and wait? We'll go for dinner a bit later."

With that, he hurried off with Anthony.

The trio then made their way to Mr. Hammond's office.

As they walked, Meg couldn't help but wonder about the noticeable shift in Taylor's attitude towards Mirabella upon her return.

So, she turned to Matthew, "Matthew, was the speech competition recorded?" Matthew nodded, "Yes, why do you ask?"

Meg bit her lip, smiling lightly, "Taylor mentioned I missed Mirabella's inspiring speech. I'd love to check it out."

Understanding her curiosity, Matthew didn't think much of it and suggested, "You might want to ask Mr. Hammond about it, but I think the recording will be posted on the Parkside High School forum. Just keep an eye out."

"Alright," Meg responded.

"It's definitely worth watching. Even someone who's not worried about finals like me felt inspired," Matthew admitted.

Meg simply glanced at Matthew, her expression unreadable. Then, with a sudden thought, she asked, "By the way, when Mr. Hammond mentioned looking out for Mirabella, what did he mean? I didn't quite catch that."

After struggling with my writing last night, I, I'm happy to announce it's double vote month! If you've got votes to spare, consider supporting! Goodnight, see you tomorrow!