Fake heiress Real heroine

Chapter 20

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Quinlyn had never received a thank–you gift before. And this one was a house–worth millions of dollars.

With Claude’s help, they got all the paperwork done in less than an hour. By the time Quinlyn was holding her brand–new property deed, her birth certificate was ready too. She was now a homeowner in her own right.

She wanted to include Matthew’s name in the deed, but she knew records for people who’d passed away didn’t count. So she put up a wooden sign in the yard, like a welcome mat, to show he was there in spirit.

As they were about to say goodbye, Claude shook his head with a touch of disappointment. “I was planning to take you guys out for dinner, but this city project is urgent. I’ll have to do it another time.”

Turning to Stanley, he added. “You mentioned Quinlyn goes to Manldon International School, right? My daughter Mandy is there too. I’d love for them to meet and maybe become friends.”

Joseph, knowing how much effort it took for Claude to make this visit, smiled and nodded. “I’ll pick Mandy up from school tomorrow, and they can meet then,” he said.

“Great,” Claude replied, patting Joseph on the shoulder with a grateful smile. Thanks, man.”

Once the car pulled away, the three of them headed back into the villa, which was decked out in high–end decor.

Stanley whistled as he finished his tour. “Wow, these fat cats surely know how to throw money around.”

Joseph just shrugged. “Claude’s no–nonsense approach is exactly why his business keeps booming.” he said, clearly impressed.

Stanley winced and dropped onto the couch, his lips pursed. “Do we really need to get the kid involved? If he finds out Quinlyn isn’t an Anderson, he’s gonna lose it,” he said, shaking his head.

Joseph sighed and shook his head. “It’s not about Quinlyn’s identity. Claude’s daughter, Mandy, is super shy and unhappy at

school.

“He’s mentioned it a few times. He thinks Quinlyn’s level–headed personality could help, so he wants Quinlyn to look out for Mandy.”

“Huh? Quinlyn’s just a kid herself. How’s she supposed to look out for others?” Stanley was skeptical, thinking Joseph had to be joking

But Joseph shook his head. “Quinlyn’s more capable than you think.”

Joseph had a point. Whether it was dealing with robbers in the mall or exposing a drug ring, Quinlyn had shown

and Joseph looked out the window at Quinlyn, who was standing by the pool with a

After closing the deal, she didn’t even

Stanley asked, stretching his neck to get a better

as puzzled. But before they could figure it out, Quinlyn took a sudden, fearless leap into the pool.

the living room froze for a second, then burst out

my

God!

and leaned out to pull her out. By the time they got her out. Quinlyn

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Tue, 18 Mar 0

Chapter 20

bellyful of water

can’t swim Then why the heck did you jump int Are you serious? He gave her back a few firm

probably thinking he should take back that “level- headed” comment he’d made earlier.

coughing and turned to stare at the pool, like the was already thinking about

“You want to

water still dripping from

“You could’ve just told us you wanted to learn. Joseph and I would’ve helped. You didn’t have

going blank. The thought of learning from others had never

the other kids would dunk her head

ice on the stream would give her headaches, and she’d end up swallowing mouthfuls

learned to hold her breath for a long time, thinking that was the secret to swimming. But today. Stanley and Joseph were telling her she’d been wrong all

they figured they might as well teach her something. They started on the shore. showing her the basic swimming strokes before helping her

water. Quinlyn was in the middle of it all. dog–paddling furiously, her head bobbing just above the surface. She was grinning

joy.

close watch on her, couldn’t help but smile at her

Stanley said, clearly impressed. “Next

his head. “That’s a bit fast. Let’s nail the basics first.”

eyes. “I know what I’m