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.”

in the mall or exposing a drug ring, Quinlyn had shown she was way more capable than

and Joseph looked out the window at Quinlyn, who was standing

deal, she didn’t even go inside; she just kept walking around the edge of

at?” Stanley asked, stretching his neck to get

out, Quinlyn took a sudden, fearless leap

froze for a second, then burst out

my

God!

pull her out. By the time they

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Tue, 18

Chapter 20

bellyful of water

stared at Quinlyn. You can’t swim Then why the heck did you jump int Are you serious? He gave her back a few firm pats to help her cough up the water, his face enched with concern.

there, looking just as bewildered. He glanced at Quinlyn, probably thinking he

and turned to stare at the pool, like the was already thinking about diving back in

going on. “You want to

water still dripping from her face.

his head and sighed. “You could’ve just told us you wanted to learn. Joseph and I would’ve helped. You didn’t have to nearly drown yourself to figure out how to swim.” He gave her forehead a gentle tap. “What were

of learning from others

a tiny, shallow stream. When she was little, the other kids would dunk her

and

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

already soaked, so they figured they might as well teach her something. They

middle of it all. dog–paddling furiously, her head bobbing just above the surface. She was grinning like crazy, her eyes sparkling with

joy.

close watch on her, couldn’t help

impressed. “Next up, I’ll

a bit fast. Let’s nail the

just rolled his eyes. “I know what I’m

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