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.

ten–year–old body had reached its limit, and as she entered the

awoke the next morning, the early sunlight gently caressed the room through sheer curtains, illuminating a space adorned with pink decorations and an assortment

Barbie doll from beside the bed, giving it a serious

the borderlands frequently employed such toys,

affection for them.

to be ensnared by the alluring scent of a sumptuous feast, her stomach growling in protest after a day’s

stairs with a breath of relief upon catching sight of her. “Quinlyn, at last you awaken. Mr. Anderson has already embarked on his day’s endeavors. Mrs. Anderson, however, intends to accompany you and Hailey on

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Tue, 18

Chapter 4

during rush hour, Unease gnawed at her about the city’s safety, prompting her

felt a flicker of embarrassment but extended the invitation for breakfast nonetheless. At the table. Tina and Harriet lingered over their meal, adhering to Maurice’s instructions and awaiting

growing late, and my friends are pestering me,” Harriet pouted, clutching her glass of milk with an air of impatience, “Mom, I don’t

calls. We’ll depart shortly, and

bounded from the table, hoping Quinlyn would slumber even longer. Tina glanced at the clock,

up to see Quinlyn descending, her expression immediately souring “Sleeping in so late and making everyone

and change. No, never mind, we’re pressed for time. Just sit and

nothing right. Yet, bound by Maurice’s instructions, she endured and added,

accustomed to. Of course,

her milk, listening to Tina for a moment before responding calmly,

moment, Harriet, having just concluded a call with her friend, approached looking upset. “Why didn’t you tell us earlier

indifferent expression, replying coolly, “You never

we shouldn’t take her with us. Let’s not buy her any nice clothes or a backpack. She’ll

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

had tasted in the borderlands,