The Double ( or More ?) Life of The Fake Heiress

Emerging from the basement back to the ground floor of the lab, Adler clutched the data sheet. Mirabella had composed that afternoon as if it was a rare treasure. After a moment’s hesitation, he summoned the courage to ask, “Uh, would it be okay if I made a copy of this data sheet?”

He wasn’t certain which specific antidote Mirabella had been working on, but judging by the ingredients she used, it was clear that it was something special. That was why the idea of keeping a copy of the data had crossed his mind. After all, this data sheet was valuable – it might prove beneficial for their ongoing research.

Mirabella glanced at the papers in his hand and casually responded, “No need for that. You just keep it. I don’t have much use for it anymore.”

Adler’s face lit up with surprise at her words and, as if afraid Mirabella might change her mind, he quickly stashed the papers into a nearby storage locker. “Thanks a lot,” he said gratefully.

He had half–expected her to refuse. Being a researcher himself, he knew that such comprehensive work couldn’t be achieved without months or even years of research. No one would willingly hand over the fruits of their labor for nothing.

“It’s no problem,” Mirabella said, pressing her lips together in a thin smile.

It wasn’t a matter of being overly generous in sharing a formula; it was more that it wouldn’t be of much use to him. Just gathering the components was a challenge, let alone actually producing the remedy. Besides, for her, this was just a basic antidote formula – it was no big deal to do a good turn for someone.

Checking the time on his wristwatch, Adler realized it was almost 8 pm. He had been so engrossed in work he had forgotten about dinner. “I’m used to working solo and sometimes lose track of time. You must be famished by now. Let’s go grab a bite to…”

Before he could finish, Mirabella waved her hand to cut him off. “No worries. I should be going. Thanks for today.”

Although disappointed that his time with the big shot was so brief, Adler wasn’t the type to overstep. Without pressing further, he picked up his car keys. “Alright then, I’ll drive you. It’s late, and it’s not safe for a young lady to head back alone.”

Mirabella didn’t let Adler take her back to her hotel; instead, she gave him a different address. Adler didn’t think much of it, assuming she lived there.

The destination Mirabella had Adler drop her off at was actually an old town’s bustling night market. Once Adler’s car vanished into the streets, Mirabella leisurely strolled into the night market.

The market was accessible only to bicycles and electric scooters. Cars were unable to enter.

12:33

The shops on both sides boasted a uniform, rustic charm that evoked a sense of nostalgia.

At this

hour, the night market was at its liveliest, with crowds milling about. Mirabella pulled a face mask from her pocket and donned it. Her eyes occasionally scanned her surroundings with a bright, fragmented

glint.

She walked deep into the market and finally settled at a low table outside a noodle shop, which was adjacent to an antique store.

The noodle shop owner, a man in his sixties with a warm smile, maintained a small but spotless establishment. With no other customers around, he approached Mirabella to take her order. Content provided by NôvelDrama.Org.

Mirabella slid the mask off her face. “I’ll have a large bowl of spicy minced pork noodles, oh, and add some of that secret chili sauce of yours.”

The owner paused, giving Mirabella a curious look. Only regulars craved his homemade chili sauce, but this young lady seemed to be a first–time visitor.

Faced with the owner’s puzzled gaze, Mirabella simply smiled.