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

In the private dining room of the restaurant, Mirabella stood up slightly to pour coffee for James, who had just taken his seat.

James tapped his fingers lightly on the tabletop, his stern expression softening as he looked up at Mirabella. "What made you think of inviting me out for dinner all of a sudden?"

Mirabella leaned back lazily in her chair. "The food here is pretty good."

"Is that all?" James lifted his coffee cup and took a sip, his voice carrying a hint of wistfulness.

Raising an eyebrow, Mirabella thought for a moment before responding, "School's starting soon, and I probably won't have much time to go out."

Two weeks of military training didn't leave much room for leisure.

James nodded, understanding. "Have you enrolled at the school yet?"

"Yeah, this morning," Mirabella replied casually, her fingers toying with the necklace around her neck, her demeanor relaxed.

James took another sip of his coffee, his dark eyes deep in thought.

Just then, a server knocked and entered to serve the dishes, quickly leaving after setting the table.

"Give it a try. If you like it, we can come back another time," Mirabella said, sitting up straight and picking up her fork, motioning for James to start eating.

A smile tugged at James' lips, his voice low and husky. "Alright."noveldrama

"By the way, how's Donald doing?" Mirabella asked casually as she speared a piece of steak, making a token inquiry.

James looked at Mirabella. "He mentioned you a couple of days ago, wanting to invite you over for dinner at our place."

Without looking up, Mirabella waved a hand dismissively. "I really don't have the time, but thank him for me."

James had expected this response and didn't press further.

After the meal, Mirabella went to the restroom. Upon returning, she headed to the front desk to pay, only to be told by the server coming from the room that the bill had already been settled.

Hearing this, Mirabella paused, her fingers halting on her smartphone screen. She turned it off and put it back in her pocket before heading back to the dining room.

"I said I'd treat you," Mirabella sighed as she picked up her purse from the chair.

James raised an eyebrow, standing up. "Next time then."

"That's a trick," Mirabella commented playfully.

James nodded, his gaze fixed on Mirabella's face, serious and intense. "How else do you catch a fish?"

Mirabella's lips twitched, but she said nothing more and turned to walk away.

Behind her, James watched her leave, a slight smile on his lips.

As they exited the restaurant, James glanced at his watch and turned to

Mirabella. "What are your plans for the afternoon?"

Thinking of the smart home gadgets waiting for her at home, Mirabella replied casually, "Just... going home to relax."

"I'll drive you then," James offered.

"No need, I've got a ride," Mirabella said, noticing his glance at the watch. She messaged Atlas right after speaking.

Seeing this, James pondered for a moment but didn't insist.

Within minutes, Atlas pulled up in his car. Mirabella waved at James before quickly getting in.

As the car drove away, James finally headed to the parking lot to leave.

In the car, Atlas glanced in the rearview mirror, genuinely curious about how the

young lady knew someone from the Shepherd family. He had tried looking into it before, but nothing concrete had come up.