Fake heiress Real heroine

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

* 64%

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.

like she was reading his mind. “They want to make me their

stunned. “What?” he asked, clearly

adopted daughter, Harriet, lived a life of privilege. There was no way they’d bring in a kid with no

serious reason.

put the pieces together. “It’s about my grandpa’s inheritance,” he

frustration.

family’s complex dynamics. It was a maze of power and secrets, with the older generation holding all the cards

rising star. With the company struggling, he probably needed Edward’s clout to get his plans off the

was a mess, slumped in his seat, his mood swinging like a wrecking ball Joseph

the road.

collected himself and turned to Quinlyn. “Why’d you tell me the truth?” he asked

1/3

Chapter 16

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

only been extra nice since learning about Quinlyn’s money that

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

his gaze. You’re different from them,” she said softly.

little taken aback, but her words gave him a boost. He started thinking out loud. “So, why

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

“What do you mean?

house,” she said, like it was obvious.

buying a house now?” He had figured things

than this.

glanced into the 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

buying a house sent a jolt of excitement through Quinlyn, and

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

sales office, Joseph made a quick call. But Claude

he’s sending someone over to show us

She wandered over to the glass display case in the middle of the lobby and leaned in, her eyes wide with curiosity

burn marks all over the walls. People said someone had died there. Every