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.

she entered the room,

sunlight gently caressed the room through sheer curtains, illuminating a space adorned with pink decorations and an

Barbie doll from beside the bed, giving it a serious

from the borderlands frequently

for them.

ensnared by the alluring scent of a sumptuous feast, her

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 a shopping spree for

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Chapter 4

mind wandered to the summer vacation that had seen so many children fall prey to kidnappers during rush hour, Unease gnawed at her about the city’s safety,

her refusal, felt a flicker of embarrassment but extended the invitation for breakfast nonetheless. At the table.

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

affectionately pinching her daughter’s check, replied, “Alright, dear, attend to your calls.

from the table, hoping Quinlyn

Tina looked up to see Quinlyn descending, her expression

back and change. No, never mind, we’re pressed

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

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

for a moment before responding calmly, “I’m not going. Don’t

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

sandwich with an indifferent expression, replying coolly, “You never asked if I was coming, did

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

aside and left with Harriet without a word, leaving Quinlyn to enjoy her meal. in peace.

away from what she had tasted

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