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

As the words echoed in the room, Jaime's eyes narrowed slightly, and he instinctively glanced up.

Nick strolled in, carrying an aura as brisk and cold as a winter breeze. His demeanor was icy, like an Arctic glacier, and his eyes held a chilling intensity. He stopped in front of Jaime, locked eyes with him, and said with an edge, "Aren't I the one more qualified?"

Jaime froze, caught off guard by Nick's sudden return, especially at such a critical juncture. Nick had always been groomed as the heir, well-respected within the family, making him the obvious choice to attend the Earl's birthday gala instead of Jim.

Darn it, was he here to throw a wrench in Jaime's plans? Mirabella noticed Jaime's expression shifting rapidly, her curiosity piqued.

She got up, genuinely surprised, and looked at Nick. "Nick, when did you get to Merrywoods? Why didn't you drop me a line?"

Nick's eyes softened when he looked at his sister, a hint of affection breaking through his cool facade. "I just got in. Left in a rush last night, so I didn't get a chance to let you know."

Ah, that explains it. Mirabella nodded, figuring he must have caught wind of Chester's trouble, which prompted his hasty return to the Davis family.

Nick gave his sister's hair a gentle ruffle before shooting a cold glance at Jaime. "No worries, with me around, no one's going to push you around."

Mirabella: "."

Jaime: "?"

around here? His heart was on the verge of bursting from frustration, couldn't they

picking up the invitation from the coffee table. His long fingers unfolded it slowly, and spotting the

told Jaime, leaving

inside. He couldn't find a way to refuse without revealing his own

deep breath, stood up from

Nick bring a plus one?

never

cut in, taking

en the Earl's estate,"

Nick. "I'd love to see

Mirabella's eagerness to go, Jaime swallowed the rest of his words

turned to his

Shepherd family; did she really heed to see more? "Are