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.

as she entered the room, she succumbed to a deep, exhausted sleep

next morning, the early sunlight gently caressed the room through sheer curtains, illuminating a space adorned

doll from beside the bed, giving it a serious once–over before twisting off its head to peer curiously into the

borderlands frequently employed such toys, which was why she

affection for

alluring scent of a sumptuous feast, her stomach growling in protest after

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,

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Chapter 4

kidnappers during rush hour, Unease gnawed at her about the city’s safety, prompting her decline. “No,

At the table. Tina and Harriet

my friends are pestering me,” Harriet pouted, clutching her glass of milk with an air of

attend to your calls. We’ll depart shortly, and

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

Quinlyn descending, her expression immediately souring “Sleeping in so late and making everyone wait?

wearing? Go back and change. No, never mind, we’re pressed for time.

of criticism left little doubt in her mind that Quinlyn could do nothing right. Yet, bound by Maurice’s instructions, she

hail from elite families, unlike the backward places you’re accustomed to.

milk, listening to Tina for a

concluded a call with her friend, approached looking upset. “Why didn’t you tell us earlier you weren’t going, making us

an indifferent expression, replying coolly,

arm. “Mom, we shouldn’t take her with us. Let’s not

Harriet without a word, leaving Quinlyn

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

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