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

Dane took a deep breath, trying to keep his cool as he said, "You can still take back the message, just give me your phone."

Nikolai turned his gaze away, his hands buried deep in his pockets. After a pause, he looked back at Dane. "Listen, son, you need to hear me out. Presley might seem untouchable, but don't forget Mirabella has her own powerful connections..."

Nikolai spoke with a heavy heart, trying to get through to Dane, but Dane cut him off right away.

"Enough, Dad. It's the same old story. This is really about you keeping your pride intact, isn't it? You call it being stubborn, but I'm just looking out for my future."

Dane was sick of his father's lectures. He shook his head and didn't ask for the phone again. "Even if you spill the beans to Mirabella, what difference does it make? You clearly don't get Presley. When he wants something, he gets it, no question."

Nikolai looked at his son, feeling a wave of sadness. Who was this young man standing in front of him? He never thought his son would lose his principles like this.

Dane didn't want to see that disappointed look in his father's eyes again. Tilting his head up, he added, "You were about to say Mirabella has the Shepherd family behind her, right? But what if even they can't protect her?"

Nikolai was taken aback. "What are you getting at?"

Dane's eyes narrowed, remembering what Presley had shared with him a couple of days ago. He sidestepped his father's question. "You've been taking care of James's health, haven't you?"

Nikolai was puzzled. He had never mentioned James's health to anyone. How did Dane even know about it?

"Where'd you hear that?" Nikolai asked.

Dane casually adjusted his sleeve. "I've got my sources."

Nikolai frowned, "And? So what?"noveldrama

"How can someone who can't even keep himself safe protect anyone else?" Dane remarked coolly.

Nikolai, hearing this, blurted out, "Are you crazy? Going after James..."

"I don't have the chops for that," Dane said with a slight smirk. "Who'd bother with someone who's already got one foot in the grave? It'd be a waste of time."

Nikolai was stunned. Could he be unaware that Mirabella had already taken care of James's health issues?

Nikolai opened his mouth to speak, but Dane wasn't interested. "Dad, since you're not willing to help, just take it easy and rest at home for a while."

With that, he turned and walked away, not bothering to glance back at Nikolai, The door slammed shut leaving Nikolai to slump into his chair, feeling a mix of bitterness and resignation, ending with a soft sigh. He could only hope that James would show mercy to Dane in the future because of him.

After leaving Nikolai's room, Dane knew he had to explain things to Presley. He asked Marian, the family housekeeper, to keep an eye on Nikolai before heading to the Pharmaceutical Association.

When he reached Presley's office, a guest was already inside, so Dane had no choice but to wait outside. After about twenty minutes, Presley escorted the guest out himself treating them with noticeable respect, like they were someone important. Dane was a bit taken aback by this. He sneaked a quick glance at the guest, then lowered his head, stepping aside to give them

space.

Presley didn't acknowledge Dane, just nodded at the guest. "Leon, don't worry. I'll

handle what you asked as quickly as possible."