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?”

without lifting her gaze.

of its

town. Little did

hearty bite of her

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.

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

was anxious and leaned in closer, his whisper urgent. “I have a plan. On our journey

skeptical glance at his head, thinking that this guy must

someone else’s child wasn’t as simple as he made it sound, If it were, the Andersons wouldn’t have spent. weeks searching. One blood test would expose the charade. But desperate for a ride,

now

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Tue, 18 Mar

Chapter 2

back into the city, and parents trickled in to reclaim their children. Quinlyn stood armudit the crowd, reluctant to move, but Joseph propelled

Hailey, Joseph announced to the man, who

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

such looks, quickly averted her gaze and declared firmly,

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

news, detailing the kids‘ narrow escapes. Quinlyn was whisked to at hospital in Brynton

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

Manor. “We’re not even sure if she’s

his heart is set on

“Even though Harriet is adopted, she’s like our own flesh and blood. Mr. Anderson is clearly biased.” Despite her

the Anderson Manor, buying her a new outfit en route. “When you see him, remember to call him

opulent

warmly greeted Quinlyn, treating her like a long–lost relative, stuffing her pockets with

center, his hair a snowy crown. From the moment Quinlyn entered, his gaze was riveted on her. Though his expression seemed stern, his eyes betrayed

the borderlands, enduring so much,” Maurice