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

“Hey, what’s the buzz?” Wade leaned back in his chair, curiosity piqued by Mr. Hammond’s mention of someone turning in their test early.

Mr. Hammond snapped out of his daze and chuckled at Wade, shaking his head. “It’s that student from our school, Mirabella. Anthony says she’s already handed in her test.”

Wade raised an eyebrow in surprise, then glanced at his watch. “This test isn’t a walk in the park. She finished in just over two hours?” Belonging to NôvelDrama.Org.

Stowing his phone away. Mr. Hammond settled back into his seat, his tone nonchalant. “Yeah, can you believe it? Is the girl a prodigy or what?”

Wade shot him a look. Wasn’t this just plain old bragging?

“How about we invite the young lady over to my department after the finals tomorrow?” Wade stroked his chin thoughtfully. He had been keeping tabs on Mirabella and was well aware of her academic standing. So the idea of her turning in her test early due to difficulty never crossed his mind.

Mr. Hammond’s pride was palpable as he lifted his chin. “I’ll have to ask her first. Once her final scores are out, I bet several departments from Prestige College will be vying for her.”

He paused, then continued, “Besides, her grasp of physics is exceptional. Remember the problem from last year’s Physics Olympiad that only one student could solve? She cracked it in one night–and with a simpler method.”

Unsaid was the implication. “Your biology department shouldn’t poach a physics prodigy.”

Wade’s face registered shock again. “She really solved that physics problem in one night?” Finding solutions to Olympiad problems online was a pipe dream.

“Of course. Why would I lie to you? I’ll get the physics teacher to send you the problem on Monday,” Mr. Hammond said, leisurely sipping his tea.

Wade couldn’t help but retort, “Look at you, all smug.”

After a brief pause, he added, “The biology department is just as prestigious. We’ve been friends for years; you have to convince her to come by tomorrow.”

How could he not seize such a talented individual? She might just take an interest in his department.

Mr. Hammond waved him off. “We’ll see, we’ll see.” Indeed, having a sought–after student was a delight.

Upon receiving permission, Mirabella retrieved her phone from Anthony and stepped out of Prestige College. She sent a text to Adler. [Are you free right now?]

12:32

Adler must have been anticipating her message, for his reply came swiftly. [I am. Where are you? I’ll come pick you up.]

Mirabella glanced back at the Prestige College sign, pondered for a moment, and texted back, [How far are you from Prestige College?]

[Not too far. Meet me at the main entrance of Prestige College. I’ll be there in about twenty minutes.]

Mirabella responded with an affirmative.

Pulling the hood of her sweatshirt over her head, Mirabella made her way to the roadside.

Twenty minutes later.

Adler pulled up in his Jeep outside the gates of Prestige College, turned off the engine, and got out. With mixed emotions of complexity and excitement, he approached the entrance.

The big shot was a senior in high school, so couldn’t be more than seventeen or eighteen. All he had to do was scan for someone that age, and he’d be spot on.

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