Fake heiress Real heroine

Chapter 2

The boy, Joseph Wilson, had finally settled his nerves, nibbling on a morsel of food, his demeanor a stark contrast to the other frightened children. His eyes darted toward the doorway, a shadow of worry lingering in their depths.

When the officer’s question pierced the air, his lips were poised to utter the words that someone had aided their escape.

But before he could voice his secret, a warm touch enveloped his hand. Joseph’s head turned, revealing a petite, willowy girl standing serenely beside him.

“You” he started, a blend of astonishment and joy flickering across his face, ready to reveal her as his helper. Yet, a subtle squeeze of his fingers served as a swift reminder that unveiling her identity could spell disaster.

“What’s the occasion here? Who does this child belong to?” The officer, clutching a registration form, peered at Quinlyn with bewilderment, her attire not hinting at a life of privilege.

Instinctively, Joseph stepped forward, shielding Quinlyn with his body and crafting a seamless alibi. “She’s the girl Mr. Anderson’s family recently discovered. Living in the countryside, she was unfortunately swept up in our abduction on her way back to the city.”

The officer’s gaze softened with a hint of sympathy, as if murmuring, “Misfortune indeed,” but he didn’t probe further.

Joseph claimed he’d wrestled free from his bonds and fled. The darkness and fear had blinded the others, rendering Quinlyn invisible. Thus, as he guided her back into the throng, suspicion remained a distant echo.

“Thank you,” Quinlyn murmured, drifting to a corner, her gratitude a quiet whisper.

Joseph handed her bread and milk, chuckling softly. The thanks are mine. Without you, our plight would be dire.”

His hubris had led him into the kidnappers‘ trap. Reflecting on it now, embarrassment tinged his cheeks..

As his gaze lingered on Quinlyn, he marveled at how she, so delicate, had orchestrated their escape. His eyes caught the bag at her feet. “What’s that?”

Quinlyn replied without

the humble plastic bag, skeptical of its contents, and inquired, “So, where to

she shouldn’t return to the perilous town. Little did he know that Quinlyn was viewed

took a hearty bite of her bread and replied succinctly.

“In the city, a security number is a must for travel and education. Without it, you might resort to illegal labor.

eager to welcome her. Her connections in the borderlands were unparalleled,

whisper urgent. “I have a plan. On our journey here, Mr. Anderson’s child fell from the car and didn’t make it. Pretend you’re

head, thinking that this guy must have skipped a few classes in logic.

If it were, the Andersons wouldn’t have spent. weeks searching. One blood test would expose the

now

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Tue, 18 Mar

Chapter 2

car rolled back into the city, and parents trickled in to reclaim their children. Quinlyn stood

is Hailey, Joseph announced to the man, who happened to be Hailey’s

by Joseph’s words, and then noticed Quinlyn’s disheveled, dirt–streaked appearance. Disgust creased

her gaze and declared firmly, “That’s not me, you’ve got the wrong

in his eyes. “That temper does remind me of Dad,” he muttered, still

incident dominated the news, detailing the kids‘ narrow escapes. Quinlyn was whisked to at hospital in Brynton for a blood

Edward Anderson, Hailey’s grandfather, called Maurice with a specific

opposed Quinlyn’s visit to Anderson Manor. “We’re not even sure if she’s the one, why is Mr. Anderson insisting on meeting her? It’s ridiculous,” she

you know, his heart is set on Hailey. If he

flesh and blood. Mr. Anderson is clearly biased.” Despite her words, she eventually relented.

Manor, buying her a new outfit en route. “When you see

ahead on the opulent villas as they

Quinlyn, treating her like a long–lost relative, stuffing her pockets with candies before she

at the center, his hair a snowy crown. From the moment Quinlyn entered,

been wandering around and was even taken to the borderlands, enduring so much,” Maurice said. nudging Quinlyn forward