The Heiress's Fake Brother

"Madam, stop wasting our time and settle your bill now."

The manager's voice dripped with condescension.

She already seemed convinced I intended to skip out on paying.

Nearby patrons cast curious looks in our direction.

I sighed, unwilling to engage in this absurdity.

Pulling out my phone, I dialed my younger brother, Ethan Parker.

The line just rang busy.

I tried again. Same result.

It was a weekday afternoon. What could that idiot possibly be doing?

I put my phone away and met the woman's challenging stare.

"My name is Isabella Scott," I repeated calmly. "I'm Ethan Parker's sister. If you can't reach him, verify his account details. My photo and information are linked to his card."

I believed this was the simplest solution.

Hearing my name, the manager didn't even attempt verification.

She let out a loud, mocking laugh that drew more stares.

Leaning closer, she dropped her voice to a venomous whisper. "Still pretending? I've seen your face all over my fiancé Ethan's social media! You're the pathetic stalker he's been complaining about! And you dare to come here expecting to charge your meal to his account? The sheer audacity!"

I froze for a second, processing her words.

My eyes dropped to her nametag. Sophia Reed.

So this was Ethan's mysterious, never-photographed girlfriend.

My brother's taste was truly appalling.

Now it made sense. This outrageous fifty-thousand-dollar bill wasn't a mistake.

It was a deliberate trap designed to humiliate me.

Before I could respond, her patience vanished. "If this woman refuses to pay, detain her! Call the police!"

She gestured sharply.

Two large security guards emerged from the periphery.