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

Patrick seemed blissfully unaware of the change in Mira's expression, keeping his polite smile intact. "Oh, by the way, the professor mentioned you snagged first place in an international competition a couple of years back. That's seriously impressive, Mira."

Mirabella was speechless. He'd really done his homework, digging up stuff from years ago.

Blaze chimed in, picking up where Patrick left off. "It's a real bummer you're not going to the upcoming conference, Mira!"

Mirabella gave them both a look filled with mixed emotions. Their back-and-forth was almost like a rehearsed play.

"Especially since the conference is at Riverside University. It's such a renowned school; don't you want to check it out?" Patrick added, confident that no one could turn down such an offer.

"Riverside University?" Mirabella's interest was piqued.

What a coincidence.

Blaze quickly nodded, catching her curiosity. "Yeah, didn't I tell you before?"

Mirabella's expression remained complicated. "You didn't."

Blaze scratched his head, realizing his sales pitch had missed the mark earlier.

But that wasn't the main issue now.

"So, Mira, are you thinking about going to the conference?" Blaze asked, his voice lifting with excitement.

Mirabella paused, then asked, "How long is it?"

"The conference itself is only two days, but you'll need about a week," Patrick replied.

"That's not too long," Mirabella mused, tapping her fingers on the table. "I'll check with my friends and see if I can get the time off."

"Alright." Patrick nodded, then offered, "If it's tricky to get approval, I can chat with the professor and have him talk to your department."

"Yeah, the professor would be all for it," Blaze laughed. "He even joked about

giving a bonus to whoever could convince you to go."

Of course, Blaze wouldn't dream of claiming that bonus.noveldrama

Mirabella's breath caught. "Why didn't the professor just ask me directly?!"

Blaze and Patrick were momentarily stunned.

Mirabella's expression was sincere. "I mean, it's not about the bonus. I just love going to conferences!"

Blaze and Patrick exchanged bewildered looks. "????"

That wasn't what you said before.

A short while later, feeling like she'd missed out on a fortune, Mirabella left the library in a less-than-pleasant mood. She glanced up at the

overcast sky and let out a deep sigh.

Pulling out her phone, she messaged her neighbor, James, on Messenger: "Life is such a struggle."

James, phone in hand, replied: "?"

Mirabella quickly typed back, frustration evident: "I'm envious of the rich today!"

James smirked and swiftly responded: "Messenger transfer."

Mirabella blinked at the string of numbers on the screen, and before she could

react, another message appeared.

James: "Ms. Mirabella, I'm broke now."

Mirabella: "..."

Alright, rich folks sure know how to have fun.

...

Blaze and Patrick headed back to the lab.

Elliot happened to be there, grabbing some materials. Hearing about Mirabella's decision to attend the conference, he was surprised. "What did you say to get her on board?"

Blaze thought back to the earlier

leet

Sation and said, "I think she

changed her mind when she

found

fit was at Riverside University."

Patrick, holding a magazine, glanced at Blaze but had his own thoughts. Clearly,

Mira had a change of heart when the bonus was brought up.