From Villain to Virtual Sweetheart: The Fake Heir's Grand Scheme(BL)-Chapter 696: The Mile-High Misunderstanding (part two)

During the flight to Malayer City, the two Harper brothers chatted with the Edwood family.

Since Nora had guessed Ilyas’s identity, he had warmed up to her, agreeing to take a photo with her later. Honestly, Ilyas found himself growing closer to Micah’s sister as he tried to learn more about him.

After the scandal, even though he was worried, he could not ask Micah directly about his new family or what changes this mixed-up identity had brought into Micah’s life.

The teenage girl seemed honest and simple. And Micah’s biological mother was even simpler than her daughter. They resembled Micah more than the dark-haired boy did.

Speaking of genes. It was ironic, really. Even though Darcy had grown up with this kind of mother and sister, he still resembled the Ramsy family more.

Ilyas studied the two women for a moment before speaking again. "If you had asked Young Master Micah," he said thoughtfully, "I’m sure he would have arranged for us, or even for your friend, to meet properly."

Nora’s smile faded into something more subdued. "With everything that’s happened recently," she admitted softly, "I didn’t want to add more to his problems."

"Aren’t you close?" Ilyas asked before he could stop himself.

The Micah he knew would bend over backward to help even a stranger. How could he possibly deny his long-lost little sister?

But the moment he saw the shadow pass over Nora’s face, he realised how his question might sound. "Sorry," he added quickly. "That was out of line, considering we just met."

"No, no," Nora shook her head quickly. "You’re not a stranger. Yes, brother Micah and I are close. He’s helped us many times. He cares about us a lot." She hesitated. "That’s exactly why I didn’t ask him. I didn’t want to take advantage of his kindness without being able to give anything back."

There was sincerity in her voice. She tilted her head curiously. "What about you? Are you close to my older brothers?"

Ilyas leaned back slightly. "I’m not sure about Young Master Darcy. We didn’t really click," he admitted. "But with Young Master Micah... yes."

Flora blinked in surprise. "Not with Darcy?" she asked. "Did he offend you somehow? That seems strange. He’s always so sweet and polite."

Her brows knitted in confusion.

Ilyas glanced at his older brother.

Patric immediately jumped in with a strained laugh. "Of course not! Young Master Darcy recently started helping at the company too. Everyone likes him." He nudged Ilyas subtly. "My little brother just isn’t very good with words."

Ilyas’s eyelid twitched. "Yes," he said deadpan. "I’m a bit of a loner."

Nora giggled. "Mum, only you think Big Brother is sweet and polite!"

"What are you talking about?" Flora protested. "That boy has carried this family’s burdens without once complaining! His temper is excellent."

"Yes, yes," Nora nodded quickly, suppressing a smile. "You’re absolutely right," she said with exaggerated sincerity.

Flora sighed dramatically. "This girl! Be careful what you say in front of them. Don’t play favourites. You might hurt their feelings."

Nora continued to nod as she listened. "Anyway, only Micah could handle big brother’s temper." Then her eyes widened suddenly. "Wait," she said slowly. "What if they’re going to announce they’re together?"

The words hung in the air like a dropped plate.

Both Harper brothers burst into violent coughing fits.

Flora smacked Nora’s arm lightly. "Sweetheart! Don’t talk nonsense!"

"What nonsense?" Nora protested. "Mum, you’re the one who told me they’re secretly dating!"

Flora glared at her daughter in disbelief.

Ilyas stared straight ahead, completely frozen.

Micah and Darcy? Then who was that blond man he had seen so close to Micah before?

A sudden thought struck him. Was that why Darcy had been subtly checking on him? Watching him carefully? Was he worried that Ilyas would get too close to Micah?

Ilyas felt his brain short-circuit.

Patric, meanwhile, had turned pale. What kind of explosive gossip had he just stumbled into? Was he supposed to hear this? Was it safe for him to hear this?

He stared at the seatback in front of him as though it could offer protection from the consequences.

Even though Micah had come clean to the Ramsy family about Clyde being his boyfriend, the topic had never been brought up with the Edwood family. Flora’s health wasn’t good, and Darcy was not the type to initiate such a conversation. The mother and daughter had been staying in warmer cities, away from Isatis, and had missed the gossip entirely.

And with Zhou Ruyan’s passing, the topic never came up. So Flora still was under the impression that Micah and Darcy had a thing.

Flora scolded her daughter in a hushed tone.

The remainder of the flight passed in strained silence.

When the plane finally landed in Malayer City, the cabin doors opened to a rush of colder air. The passengers disembarked in an orderly line. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Outside the terminal, the sky was pale and sharp with winter light.

Flora and Nora immediately spotted Darcy waiting near a parked car close to the entrance. Even bundled in a long coat, he was unmistakable.

He stepped forward quickly the moment he saw them, wrapping a thick blanket gently around Flora’s shoulders.

"Mum," he said softly, smiling. "Come quickly. Don’t let the cold get to you."

Flora’s heart warmed instantly. Nora hurried after them.

Darcy gave the Harper brothers a brief nod of acknowledgment before guiding Flora into the car. They drove off soon after.

The Harper brothers remained standing near a pillar until a familiar figure stepped out from behind it.

"Vice Director," Patric greeted respectfully.

Willow Ramsy nodded. "Thank you for bringing them here safely. Come. I’ll drop you off at the hotel."

Ilyas stepped forward without hesitation. "How is Young Master Micah?" he asked anxiously.

Willow’s expression softened slightly. "He’s fine. He woke up last night," she said. "But he still needs to remain under observation."

Ilyas let out a long breath he hadn’t realised he was holding. "Thank God."

Willow gave a small nod and began walking.

"You can see him tomorrow," she added gently. "Right now... it’s a bit complicated."

Her gaze drifted in the direction the car had disappeared.

Ilyas understood immediately. Flora and Nora still didn’t know. And soon, they would.