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

Mirabella’s mind worked swiftly as she connected the dots between the man standing before her and the professor she had encountered a while back in Mr. Hammond’s office. Wade was distinguished honorary member of the National Education Association and a seasoned professor of biology at Prestige College.

With a subtle composure, Mirabella nodded gracefully at him. “Professor Wade, good to see

you.”

Wade met Mirabella’s calm gaze and gave a nod. A rare trace of warmth softened his usually stern features. “Ah, I thought you looked familiar. It’s Mirabella, isn’t it?”

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As Professor Wade’s gentle words filled the air, Matthew’s expression shifted from apprehension to surprise. He had braced himself for a rebuke, never expecting Professor Wade to be acquainted with the girl.

And now, seeing the professor’s demeanor, which could only be described as amiable, was a shock. Some of his peers were double–majoring with the biology department, and they often likened attending Professor Wade’s lectures to an expedition to the Arctic – frigid and severe.

Mirabella’s lips curved into a faint smile. She glanced at Matthew, who stood before her, then said sweetly, “I just finished an exam and bumped into Matthew from the physics department. Curiosity got the better of me, so I tagged along for a look around.”

At her words, Wade let out a drawn–out “Oh,” then added, “No harm in that, scouting the place early.” He paused, then with a hint of frustration, added, “Why didn’t you swing by my biology institute?”

Was it that old rascal Hammond playing his games again?

Mirabella paused, momentarily taken aback. She was just an ordinary high school senior yet to sit her finals. Could she really just wander into the biology department at Prestige College?

Wade quipped with a hint of mischief, “Didn’t Mr. Hammond tell you anything?”

Mirabella recalled that after her exam, Mr. Hammond had only asked about her performance and said nothing more. She shook her head in response.

Wade, feeling somewhat snubbed, huffed quietly. So, Hammond had steered her towards the physics department instead of his own? It seemed their decades–long camaraderie had reached its limits.

Meanwhile, Mr. Hammond, who was just about to head to his hotel after a satisfying meal, suddenly sneezed violently. He rubbed his nose, suspecting someone was speaking ill of him.

“Hey, you two aren’t my physics students, are you?” The physics professor, who had walked some distance away, noticed Wade chatting with the students and circled back. His gaze landed on Mirabella and Vincent as he inquired.

Already dealing with one professor, and now with his own from the physics department coming

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back into the picture. Matthew felt like breaking down in tears. Trembling, he explained. “Profe – Professor, they’re high school seniors here for the BrainSpark Nationals. We’re from the same city, so I… I brought them here to look around…”Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

The physics professor’s expression eased upon hearing this. There was no anger, just a pivot toward Wade. His curiosity was apparent as he asked, “Wade, you know these students too?”

Wade cleared his throat and affirmed with a subtle nod. “They’re from Hammond’s school. Parkside High School.”

Surprised, the physics professor gave Mirabella and Vincent another glance and casually asked, “How did you do in yesterday’s competition?”

The finals had just ended, and the results were not yet announced.

Before Mirabella and Vincent could respond, Wade interjected sharply. “Parkside High School has always produced top–notch students. I’m sure their performance is nothing short of excellent.”

Pausing for a moment, Wade waved his hand dismissively at his colleague and said, “Alright, enough with the questions. Let the kids go.”