The Double (or more?) Life of the Fake Heiress novel Chapter 10

Emmitt's brow furrowed slightly as he felt his arm being tugged, but he didn't pull away. "What's up?"

Summer's eyes sparkled with a playful cuteness on her meticulously made-up face. "I've been filming a show for a while now and haven't visited Mom and Dad in ages. I feel kinda bad about it. Plus, Mira just got back from the countryside, and she's probably feeling a bit out of her element. I was thinking of staying at home for a few days, spend some time with the folks, and help Mira get settled in."

Emmitt mulled over her words for a few seconds before nodding. "Sounds good. We'll all feel better knowing you're there to show Mira the ropes."

Summer let out a chirpy "yeah" and tilted her head slightly towards Mirabella with a playful jerk of her chin. Then she let go of Emmitt and hopped into the passenger seat, assuming the air of someone quite at home.

Mirabella raised an eyebrow, a wry smile hidden beneath her mask, but said nothing. She calmly opened the back door of the car and slipped in.

***

During the drive home, Summer chattered away to Emmitt about all the behind-the-scenes action from her time on a reality TV show, glancing in the rearview mirror at Mirabella, who had now removed her mask, seemingly trying to catch a glimpse of envy on her face. But Mirabella seemed to be in her own world, absorbed in her phone, indifferent to the conversation.

It was a monumental blow to Summer's sense of superiority. She consoled herself with the thought that maybe this country girl, unfamiliar with the world of showbiz, simply couldn't grasp the significance of her stories, hence her nonchalant demeanor.