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

Mirabella trailed behind Zane as they made their way back to his office. With a sigh, he set the folder on his desk, running his fingers along its edges before looking up. The worry lines on his face had softened.

"I'm really sorry about today," Zane said, his voice tinged with regret. "I didn't think that document would almost get you in trouble."

Mirabella shrugged it off. "The truth always comes out. No need to beat yourself up about it."

Zane let out a bitter chuckle. "Yeah, but what if someone's dead set on twisting the truth?"noveldrama

He knew Mr. Calvin was taking a jab at him over their recent spat about research funds. And dragging Mirabella into it? That had Meg written all over it. Meg had tried to trip Mirabella up during their last experiment and ended up embarrassing herself instead. Jealousy was a powerful thing.

Even though Wade had stepped in today, Zane worried things would only get worse. He kept his concerns to himself and simply said, "Don't stress. We've got our mentors backing us up."

Mirabella raised an eyebrow. "Mentor, we can't afford to be too naive. It's a quick way to get burned."

Zane blinked, taken aback. It was the first time a student had told him not to be so trusting. He shook it off with a smile, feeling a bit lighter.

He remembered the proposal Wade had handed him a few days ago. It was loaded with complex ideas, but if Mirabella could outsmart Meg, she could handle it. He decided to wait until the prep work was more complete before bringing it up to her.

Later, Mirabella returned to the study room designated for her department. Lisa had saved her a spot. As soon as Mirabella sat down, Lisa leaned in and whispered, "Why does the admin office keep calling you? Something up?"

Mirabella tilted her head nonchalantly. "Catching a thief."

Lisa's eyes went wide. "Catching a thief?"

"Yep," Mirabella murmured, not offering more. She pulled out her notebook and started writing.

Lisa, still puzzled, wanted to ask more but saw Mirabella was done talking. She glanced at Mirabella's notes, squinting at the unfamiliar symbols.

"Martian script?" she muttered to herself.

By five, Mirabella had packed up her papers, stretched her sore shoulders, and grabbed her backpack. Lisa, who had plans to visit home, decided to leave with her.

Lisa's ride was parked at the curb. "Mira, where do you live? Need a lift?" she asked, glancing at the car. But when she saw the driver, she hesitated, almost regretting her offer.

Mirabella hadn't noticed Lisa's reaction. She adjusted her bag strap and looked up as a plain black sedan pulled up. "No worries, my ride's here," she said, raising an eyebrow.

Lisa, oddly relieved, followed Mirabella's gaze. The windshield's reflection made it hard to see the driver clearly. "Alright then, see you tomorrow."

Mirabella waved and walked to the car. As it came to a stop, she opened the passenger door and climbed in.