Fake heiress Real heroine

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

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As soon as Stanley got in the backseat, he grumbled, “Why do we need him along? It’s just a simple job–I can handle it on

my own.

Quinlyn sat quietly in the backseat, keeping to herself until the car passed through the villa gates. Then, out of nowhere, she said. To not your sister”

Joseph, behind the wheel, hit the brakes so hard that the car nearly skidded to a stop. He glanced back at Stanley, who looked like he’d been punched in the gut. “Why did she suddenly tell him the truth? Could it be. Joseph thought, bewildered

Quinlyn pointed at Joseph. “If you don’t believe me, ask him,” she said to Stanley.

Joseph squirmed in his seat, feeling like he’d just been caught red–handed. He knew he was the one who’d started this mess with his stupid idea.

After pulling over, they sat in silence for what felt like forever. Finally, Joseph confessed and told the whole story.

By the time Joseph finished, Stanley lunged at him, landing a few punches that left Joseph groaning.

Stanley’s face was twisted with anger. “I can’t believe you set me up!” he shouted, feeling completely betrayed.

Joseph winced, clutching his stomach, but stayed calm. “I didn’t want the cops to link the robber’s death to Quinlyn,” he explained. “I thought it’d be safer if she used a fake identity. I planned to take her to my place once the report came out.”

Stanley’s anger didn’t let up. “What report?” he demanded

Joseph straightened up, his brow furrowing as he realized something was off. The DNA test,” he said. “My dad told me yesterday he saw your dad pick it up. Didn’t your dad tell you the results?”

But Joseph already had an answer. If Stanley had seen the results, he wouldn’t be reacting like this.

“…” Stanley started, his anger fading away. “He didn’t mention a word about that,” he said, looking confused.

His dad had asked him to register Quinlyn’s birth certificate this morning, and it didn’t add up.

his mind. “They

“What?” he asked, clearly

kind who’d been wealthy for generations. Even their adopted daughter, Harriet, lived a life of privilege.

serious reason.

“It’s about my grandpa’s inheritance,” he said, his voice tight

frustration.

It was a maze of power and secrets, with the older

company struggling, he probably needed Edward’s clout to get his plans off

swinging

the road.

few minutes, Stanley collected himself and turned to Quinlyn. “Why’d you tell me the truth?” he

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Chapter 16

by his reaction. “I just don’t want to be an Anderson,” she

chest tightened with discomfort as he understood his dad had only been extra nice since learning about

any of your money, and I won’t let anyone else either

from them,” she said softly. “You’re

boost. He started thinking out loud. “So, why not

who was driving, glanced back at them. “She’ll need her own place for that,” he said, keeping his tone gentle.

“What do you mean? What place?”

it right away. “Land, a house,” she

about buying a house now?” He had figured things would be simpler

than this.

rearview mirror. “I’ve got an acquaintance who knows the real estate game inside and out. If you’re down, I can set you up with him,” he said,

of buying a house sent a jolt of excitement through

just some guy–he was a real estate heavyweight, the biggest name in the

the sales office, Joseph made a quick

but he’s sending someone over to show us around.” Joseph

display case in the middle of the

standing, with burn marks all over the walls. People said someone had died there. Every day, Matthew would scrub the walls, telling her, “Once it’s all clean, this