The Double or more Life of the Fake Heiress (Mirabella) novel Chapter 1771

Jaime gave a small, casual wave towards the living room, hinting for Penelope to grab a seat so they could chat.

"Honestly, I'm not all that clued in on Zach's current situation myself," Jaime admitted with a helpless smile, shaking his head slightly.

Penelope raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "You don't know either?"

"Yep, that's right." Jaime poured another glass of water for Penelope, handing it over before continuing, "I guess you haven't heard that Zach's niece has come back to the Davis family, have you?"

Penelope blinked, caught off guard. "Zach's niece?"

"Yeah," Jaime nodded. "She was the one who got mixed up and grew up in the countryside by mistake."

"But what does her coming back have to do with Zach getting hurt?" Penelope asked, even more confused.

"Well, Penelope, Zach's niece isn't your run-of-the-mill girl," Jaime sighed. "She hasn't even bothered to drop by and say hi since she got back. And now, with Keir injured, she's made it her mission to keep everyone from seeing him."

"Why would she do that?" Penelope pressed, clearly focusing on what mattered most to her.

Jaime paused, choosing his words carefully. "I know you don't usually get wrapped up in status issues, but this sure seems like a power move from Zach's niece. You see what she's trying to do, right?"

Penelope paused for a moment, then asked, "What did Uncle Grady have to say?"

"He's backing Keir's side, even though he practically helped raise you..." Jaime left it at that, knowing Penelope's pride would be stung by someone with no real standing trying to overshadow her.

Penelope frowned, set her glass down, and stood up. "I'm going to the hospital."

"It's late, and you've been traveling all night. Get some rest and head over in the morning," Jaime suggested.

Startled, Mirabella nearly tipped the whole watering can over. She turned around, her expression a bit stormy. "Nick, you've changed."

Nick raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"

"The reason I went to the Earl's manor is pretty straightforward," Mirabella sighed, "but I doubt you're going to like it."

"Let's hear it," Nick said, eyes fixed on his sister. "Even if it's just an excuse, I want to know."

"James was there yesterday too, right? I promised him ages ago I'd tag along to this party," Mirabella shrugged. "I didn't mention it because I knew it'd bug you."

Nick was silent for a moment. "Yeah, definitely didn't want to hear that."