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

at the humble plastic bag, skeptical of its contents, and

return to the perilous town. Little did he know that Quinlyn was viewed with dread, a specter haunting the villagers‘ dreams.

took a hearty bite of her bread and replied succinctly. “The city”

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.

a network of contacts and employers eager to

our journey here, Mr. Anderson’s child fell from the car

skeptical glance at his head, thinking that this guy must have skipped a few classes in logic.

simple as he made it sound, 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

parents trickled in to reclaim their children. Quinlyn stood armudit the crowd, reluctant to

Anderson, this is Hailey, Joseph announced to the man,

words, and then noticed

looks, 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

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

called

Maurice’s wife, 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?

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

own flesh and blood. Mr.

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

fixed ahead on the opulent

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

with Edward seated at the 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 a hidden concern.

this poor child has been wandering around and was even taken to the borderlands, enduring so much,” Maurice