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?”

replied without lifting her

at the humble plastic bag, skeptical of

believed she shouldn’t return to the perilous town. Little did

hearty bite of her bread

taken aback. Seeking to aid her, he explained, “In the city, a security number is a must for travel and education. Without it, you might resort to illegal labor. It’s a harsh world for children.”

glance; she had a network of contacts and employers eager to welcome her. Her connections in the borderlands were

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

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

now

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Tue, 18 Mar

Chapter 2

passed as the car rolled back into the city, and parents trickled in to reclaim their children. Quinlyn stood armudit the crowd, reluctant to move, but Joseph propelled her toward a middle–aged man

man, who

was momentarily startled by Joseph’s words, and then noticed Quinlyn’s disheveled, dirt–streaked

quickly averted her gaze and declared firmly, “That’s not

furrowed deeper, yet indecision flickered in his eyes. “That temper does remind me of Dad,” he muttered, still awaiting the DNA test results. Playing it safe, he decided to take Quinlyn with him for the time being

narrow escapes. Quinlyn was whisked to at

the results, Edward Anderson, Hailey’s grandfather, called Maurice with a specific request to

visit to Anderson Manor. “We’re not even sure if she’s the one, why is

equally stressed, explained, “Dad is organizing his inheritance, and as you know, his heart is set on Hailey. If he meets her, our chances against the

is adopted, she’s like our own flesh and blood. Mr. Anderson is clearly biased.” Despite

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

opulent villas as they

them inside. They warmly greeted Quinlyn, treating her like a long–lost relative, stuffing her pockets with candies

room was a hive of activity, with Edward seated at the center, his hair a snowy crown. From the moment Quinlyn entered, his gaze was riveted

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