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

Mirabella shook her head, looking serious. "I think this boring major is just right for me."

Grady's heart sank. "Your parents didn't object?"

"No," Mirabella replied.

In fact, when she had mentioned wanting to study biology, her parents couldn't hide their joy, almost as if they were afraid she might choose a more popular major.

Grady pressed his fingers to his temples, lost for words. He'd made countless plans for Mirabella to ace her finals, never expecting her to follow in Nick's footsteps and go into scientific research.

He was convinced that Zach and the lady of the house were behind this, going to great lengths to prevent Mirabella from taking over the family business. It was too much.

Seeing Grady's crestfallen expression, Mirabella asked, "Grady?"noveldrama

Grady looked at her, remembering that she could double major in college. Not giving up, he suggested, "Biology does sound a bit dull. Have you thought about picking up a second major?"

Mirabella took another sip of her coffee, recalling the earnest invitation from the physics professor at Prestige College. She nodded. "Yes, I have."

Grady's spirits lifted. "Have you decided on the second major?"

"Yes, physics," Mirabella replied, quicker than when she'd mentioned biology.

Physics? Still research! Before Grady could suggest finance, trade, or economics, he was left speechless. "???"

He felt his blood pressure rising.

After a moment, he asked, "Why physics for your second major?" His voice was filled with resignation.

Mirabella was silent for a minute before looking up, slightly embarrassed. "You might laugh at my reason, Grady."

She cleared her throat. "The physics department offers a lot of scholarships each year."

Grady was dumbfounded.

What kind of reason was that???

He wanted to argue that inheriting the family business would be more lucrative, but Mirabella cut him off.

"So, Grady, you don't need to persuade me. I've chosen these two majors and I'm not considering anything else," she said firmly.

Grady couldn't recall how he felt as he dropped Mirabella off at home. All he could think was: scholarships over the family business? It was a crushing blow.

**

Time flew by, and soon it was almost the start of the school year.

In late August, amid the reluctant goodbyes from Delilah and Shawn, Mirabella pulled her suitcase and boarded the plane to Riverdale.

Nick had been busy but managed to squeeze out two days to come pick up Mirabella.

August in Riverdale was scorching. As soon as the siblings stepped off the plane, a wave of heat hit them, only easing once they entered the airport.

Mirabella had barely turned on her phone when James called. She answered, "I just got off the plane. Which exit are you at? OK, I'll be out in a few minutes."

She glanced at Nick, who was pulling his suitcase beside her, and added, "Oh, and I forgot to tell you, Nick is here too."

James, waiting in the parking lot, was momentarily silent. After hanging up, he glanced at the black cars behind him and quietly instructed Wyatt, leading to four black cars slowly driving out of the parking lot.