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

skeptical of its contents, and inquired, “So, where to

the perilous town. Little did

hearty bite of her bread and

a security number is a must for travel and education.

of contacts and employers eager to welcome her. Her connections in the borderlands were unparalleled, a

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

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

be 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

now

1/3

Tue, 18 Mar

Chapter 2

into the city, and parents trickled in to reclaim their children. Quinlyn stood armudit the crowd,

this is Hailey, Joseph announced to the man, who happened to

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

too aware of such looks, quickly averted her gaze and declared firmly, “That’s not me, you’ve got the wrong person

Dad,” he muttered, still awaiting the DNA

escapes. Quinlyn was whisked to at hospital in Brynton for a blood

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

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

inheritance, and as you know, his heart is set on Hailey. If he meets her, our chances against the other branches

like our own flesh and blood. Mr. Anderson is clearly biased.” Despite her words, she

outfit en route. “When you see him, remember to call him grandpa and act sweetly, alright?”

opulent villas as they approached in silence.

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

snowy crown. From the moment Quinlyn entered, his gaze was riveted on her.

to the borderlands, enduring so much,” Maurice said. nudging Quinlyn