Fake heiress Real heroine

Chapter 4

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Maurice paused for a heartbeat before answering. “It’s on the second floor, the room by the window”

Quinlyn gave a brisk nod, her sharp eyes cutting through the room without pause as she started up the stairs. Her swift, resolute movements left the gathered crowdd in stunned silence until she disappeared into the upper floor.

Tina surged to her feet, clutching Harriet to her chest, her breath coming in short, furious gasps. “How dare she behave like that? She’s just a child, yet so disrespectful. She has no manners whatsoever, and she instantly targets Harriet!”

This was the breaking point for Tina. Ever since losing her own child, she had been mired in a deep depression, only slowly finding solace through adopting Harriet. She poured her entire heart and soul into Harriet, considering her her most precious treasure.

Aware of Tina’s stubborn streak, Maurice tried to soothe her with gentle words. “Hailey is your kid too, and Dad has already welcomed her into the family. You should treat her kindly as well.”

Tina’s discontent was plain as she muttered darkly under her breath, “She doesn’t feel like my child at all”

Maurice was unsure himself. Observing the tense dynamics, he doubted that peaceful coexistence was a realistic goal. He sighed and instructed, “Regardless, if you don’t like her, just avoid her. Dad has asked her to stay at Anderson Manor, and 111 take her there as soon as possible.”

“What? Anderson Manor? How could she?” Tina was stunned and clutched Harriet even tighter, adding. “Harriet will go too Everyone knew that Edward possessed countless wonders, and staying at the manor would be an immense benefit.

Though Harriet was terrified of Edward and had no desire to go to Anderson Manor, the mere thought of the newcomer Quinlyn arriving first stirred a reluctant spark of anticipation within her.

“Alright, I’m not the one making the decisions here,” Maurice said, rubbing his temples with a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. “Just behave yourself for now, understood?”

Being reprimanded in front of the stylist made Tina feel humiliated, and tears welled up in her eyes. Her resentment towards Quinlyn grew even stronger.

The argument barely registered with Quinlyn. Having journeyed from the borderlands, the strange surroundings had kept her on edge, causing her to lie awake for countless nights.

entered the room, she succumbed to a deep,

the room through sheer curtains, illuminating a space adorned with pink decorations and an assortment of stuffed

doll from beside the bed, giving it a serious once–over before twisting off

Smugglers from the borderlands frequently

affection for them.

slumber, she opened the door to be ensnared by the alluring scent of a sumptuous feast, her stomach growling in protest after

last you awaken. Mr. Anderson has already embarked on his day’s endeavors. Mrs. Anderson, however, intends to

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Tue, 18

Chapter 4

so many children fall prey to kidnappers during rush hour, Unease gnawed at her

her refusal, felt a flicker of embarrassment but extended the invitation for breakfast nonetheless. At the table. Tina and Harriet lingered over their meal, adhering

me,” Harriet pouted, clutching her glass of milk with an air of impatience, “Mom, I don’t want to wait

attend to your calls. We’ll depart shortly, and if she’s not ready, we’ll proceed without her.”

the table, hoping Quinlyn would slumber even longer.

the stairs. Tina looked up to see Quinlyn descending, her expression immediately souring “Sleeping in so late and making everyone wait? That’s

you’re wearing? Go back and change. No, never mind, we’re pressed for time. Just sit and eat. Harriet

barrage of criticism left little doubt in her mind that Quinlyn could do nothing right. Yet, bound by Maurice’s instructions, she endured and added, “When you meet

families, unlike the backward places you’re accustomed to. Of

for a moment

friend, approached looking upset. “Why didn’t you tell us earlier you weren’t going, making us wait so long?”

replying coolly,

her with us. Let’s not buy her any nice clothes or a backpack. She’ll be ridiculed

tossed her napkin aside and left with Harriet without a word, leaving Quinlyn to enjoy

prepared by the mansion’s cook was a world away from what she had tasted in the borderlands, and she didn’t