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

Austin didn't linger at Zane's place for long; once he got the gist of things, he made his way out. He timed it perfectly, pulling his car up to the main entrance just in time to wait for someone.

Mirabella stepped out of the school gates about ten minutes after Austin started waiting, coinciding with Atlas's car arriving and parking nearby. Having already seen her photo from Jules, Austin recognized her instantly. She was stunning, with an air of cool detachment, her eyes displaying a sharp intensity-completely different from Yara's gentle elegance.

Austin, hands tucked in his jeans pockets, quickly masked his surprise at seeing her in person with a rare warm smile. "Mira," he called out.noveldrama

Mirabella glanced at Austin, whose features bore a slight resemblance to Delilah's, but didn't break her stride, continuing towards the curb as if she hadn't heard him.

Austin's face tightened for a moment, but he quickly pulled himself together, falling into step beside her with a touch of good-natured persistence. "Mira, I'm your uncle. I came all the way here to take you out for lunch..."

Mirabella didn't look his way, her black coat amplifying her aloofness. Her presence was intimidating, even to Austin.

He hesitated for a second, then continued, "...and your mom's already at the restaurant, just waiting for us."

At this, a flicker of something crossed Mirabella's otherwise indifferent gaze. She paused, tilting her head slightly to look at Austin.

Her eyes were deep, devoid of warmth.

Austin felt a hitch in his breath. His niece's presence was indeed formidable.

"Is it a family trait, you Cunninghams, to make such unwelcome advances?" Mirabella remarked coolly.

Austin's expression shifted, but before he could respond, Atlas, who had been patiently waiting by the car, had already noticed the situation and approached.

Before Austin could say a word, Atlas stepped in, placing himself firmly between Austin and Miss Mira. With an intimidating aura, he wasn't like the usual bluffing thugs; his unyielding demeanor was more like that of a grim reaper.

Austin instinctively stepped back. "Who are you?"

Atlas shot Austin a frosty look, clearly showing their previous encounter hadn't left

a mark. Ignoring him, he turned to Mirabella with a respectful nod, softly asking, "Miss Mira, were you frightened?"

If she had been, his fists were already itching for action.

Mirabella's expression settled back to normal. "Not really."

Atlas, somewhat disappointed, redirected his gaze to Austin and curtly commanded, "Leave."

Though Austin felt a jolt from Atlas's aggressive stance, he was a Cunningham, and being told to 'leave' in such a manner didn't sit well with him.

He tilted his head, locking eyes with Mirabella, his voice steady. "It's just a meal, do you really have to make such a fuss? We're family, after all."

Mirabella adjusted the strap of her backpack, her slender fingers playing with it thoughtfully. She nodded slightly. "The word 'family' does sound quite novel," she paused, then added with a light tone, "So, here's the question: are we really family?"