A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Chapter 454

The village chief gave the two older boys beside him a gentle pat on the back of their heads. The boys understood immediately; without needing another word, they quietly stepped forward to help the girls with their

suitcases.

Neither boy spoke as they took the luggage. Instead, they kept rubbing their hands on their trousers, as if to prove they were clean and hoping the girls wouldn’t mind their help. Watching this, a few of the adults felt a lump in their throat.

The girls had been embarrassed to let children help, but seeing the boys so eager and so careful not to offend-made them hesitate to refuse. They didn’t want to hurt the boys’ feelings or seem ungrateful.

Everyone was a little awkward, but that just proved how genuine and kind-hearted they all were. After all, only people like this would volunteer to travel to such a remote corner of the countryside.

The chief noticed the tension and waved his hand. “Let them help, it’s fine. These kids have been carrying heavy things their whole lives-they might be stronger than those three boys over there.”

One of the boys from the group flexed his arm, grin full of mischief. “Guess we’ll have to settle it with an arm wrestling match later-prove

who’s really the strongest.”

“Oh, quit showing off!” one of the girls laughed, giving him a playful slap on the arm. It was obvious from their banter that the two were close.

you know,” the oldest of the local boys piped up. He spoke in

girl echoed,

off to work in the city, so the kids live here with their grandparents. Life up in the hills isn’t easy, as I’m sure you’ve noticed-nutrition’s always been a struggle. But things have gotten

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Chapter 454

early years were hard, but with some care, these kids will

We even have a basketball court now. Ms. Warren says playing basketball will help

little one called out,

accent, others trying their best with halting English. Their faces were bright, full

explained, smiling. “She teaches all the children now. There aren’t many-just about a dozen-so there’s no grade separation. She and another teacher handle all the

in, the atmosphere

asked the little

Holt.” The girl’s voice was so soft, Alessia almost missed it. Susannah

Alessia Morton,” she replied, choosing her words carefully to make

us the alphabet,” Susannah mumbled, eyes fixed on the ground, too shy to look

you write