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

Nick always had a thing about personal space. Even though Zach was his own flesh and blood. their embrace lasted barely a second before Zach hastily stepped back, maintaining a respectful distance.

Zach sighed inwardly, understanding his brother’s temperament all too well. However, no sign of displeasure crossed his features. His gaze swept the high–tech hall, and he said with a lightness in his voice. “Seeing you live the good life makes me happy, Nick.”

Nick’s lips twitched, as if he struggled to muster a smile, but his stoic disposition left his features stiff and rigid. He turned and poured two glasses of water–one for himself and one for Collins. “Make yourself at home,” he said, handing over the glass.

Zach took the glass and cut straight to the chase, “Leo’s injury really can’t be healed. completely?”

“He’ll recover but can’t do any more strenuous activities, especially performing on stage,” Nick replied, his voice detached.

Zach fell silent, knowing that if his brother, an internationally acclaimed medical prodigy, said so, there was no other way around it.

After a moment, Nick glanced up towards the second floor, his tone growing even colder, “If he doesn’t want treatment, just persuade him to go back home. I’ve got a couple of doctors who are quite skilled. I’ll refer him to them.”

With that, Nick settled onto the couch. The chandelier above cast a brilliant light on his pale, almost translucent face, accentuating his cool, emotionless demeanor.

Collins, who had been listening, became visibly anxious. After several days of interaction, he had come to recognize Nick’s peculiar temperament, which matched the rumors to a T. If it weren’t for the fact that

Leo was Nick’s brothers, he doubted Nick would have lifted a finger to

help.

“Nick…” Collins began to speak but stopped as his gaze caught sight of Leo standing at the top of the staircase. He instantly fell silent.

Zach also noticed Leo and, with a sigh, said, “I’ll go talk to him.”

Nick didn’t respond, simply picking up a magazine to read.

Zach turned and made his way upstairs.

Time flew, and soon, it was the eve of the BrainSpark Nationals city finals.

Summer intended to review her study materials one last time, but they were nowhere to be found in her room despite a thorough search. The documents she’d brought from the Education Association had vanished.

12:25

Her expression grew stormy. She’d been tied up with training sessions at the company every afternoon after school and had come home too exhausted to do anything but sleep. There had been no time for revision.

She was certain she had left the papers under her pillow. Where could they have gone?

Rubbing her temples, a thought struck her, and she quickly left her room.

The room next door was Aiden’s. Without knocking, Summer barged in, “Alden, did you take my study materials?”

Aiden, who was in the middle of a gaming session with his friends, had headphones on and didn’t quite catch what Summer said. He glanced up briefly when she entered, then refocused Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

on his game.

Summer snatched his phone and yanked off his headphones, her voice filled with accusation, “Give me back my study materials.”

Aiden’s brow furrowed in annoyance at the interruption, “What’s your problem? Give me back. my phone right now.”