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

James slouched back in his chair, the overhead light casting a warm glow on his chiseled features, making him look even more like a sculpture carved from the finest marble. “Isn’t coffee meant to be drunk?” he mused with a faint smirk playing on his lips.

Wyatt’s mouth twitched at the corners. “But that coffee’s been in the old man’s collection for decades. If we take it and he finds out, won’t he raise hell?*

James gave Wyatt a sidelong glance, his tone casual as he spoke, “Then let’s make sure he doesn’t find out. He’s kept it for so many years, and what’s a few more?”

Wyatt rubbed his nose and then gave a respectful nod to his boss. Alright, when it came to being cunning, his boss was leagues ahead. He was the one who had much to learn. “I’ll

arrange for someone to go tonight.”

“Mhm,” James hummed in response.

Fiddling with his phone, Wyatt thought of the dozens of boxes of calming incense he had just ordered. For some reason, a sense of unease settled in his stomach. He looked towards his boss, uncertain, “James, are you sure Ms. Mirabella’s incense is from that store?”

Even Nikolai had mentioned that the incense James had was worth a fortune. Yet online, a whole box was going for $299. Plus, when the seller realized Wyatt needed a bulk order, they even threw in a buy–one–get–one–free deal. Thinking about it now, it all seemed too good to be true.

James lightly tapped a sandalwood stick on the table, his expression unchanging. “Mhm.”

Scratching his head, Wyatt didn’t question further. “The seller said they’ll ship it tomorrow. I asked for express delivery. It should arrive the day after.”

“Arrange it as you see fit,” James said airily.

Wyatt glanced at James, sensing something off about his reply, but after mulling it over, he couldn’t pinpoint any issue. Shaking his head, Wyatt figured he was just overthinking things.

In the States.

Zach had just landed when he saw Collins waving at him from the arrival gate. Collins was Leo’s manager.

“Mr. Zach,” Collins greeted with a nod, promptly reaching out to help with the luggage. “I’m really sorry to have you make this trip.” Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

*No problem. How’s Leo doing?” Zach’walked alongside Collins, his usually light demeanor replaced with a rare seriousness.

“He’s… not good,” Collins said, his voice rough with emotion. He took a deep breath. “Let’s talk

in the car.”

“Alright.”

Soon, Zach followed Collins out of the airport and into the car. “What exactly happened?” Zach asked, looking at Collins.

“A few months ago, Leo injured his spine during a performance. We all thought it was nothing serious at the time. But after a while, he got hurt again during a personal training session. That’s when we found out that the previous injury had already damaged his nerves…”

Collins wiped his face, continuing. “Nerve damage can typically be repaired, but because we ignored it the first time, his condition worsened. After consulting numerous hospitals, we’ve been given a unanimous conclusion. Leo will never be able to perform on stage again, nor can he engage in any strenuous activities, or the consequences could be dire. Leo was born for the stage. Asking him to give it up is akin to ending his life.”

Zach fell silent, reflecting on his words. He knew his younger brother better than anyone. Leo had always loved singing and dancing since he was a kid. Later on, he defied their family’s objections, venturing into the entertainment industry on his own without any connections. The hardships he endured to reach his current star status were unimaginable.