Fake heiress Real heroine

Chapter 22

inly couldn’t help but feel that Eugene’s approach was missing the print. If people judged her based on her appearance, it was their issue. She thought that instead of just making her feel better, Eugene should be teaching them to be more accepting

But as she was about to say something, she noticed Mandy beside her, wiping her eyes. Mandy was looking down, crying softly, her tears falling in big drops and her body shaking just a bit.

Following Quinlyn’s gaze, Eugene sighed and gently patted Mandy’s head. “Mandy went through some rough times last semester with this kind of stuff, but she made it through. Right, Mandy?”

Mandy sniffled and slowly nodded. “Yeah”

“Good girl.” Eugene smiled softly and reached out, his fingers lightly touching Mandy’s neck.

Her hair was tied in two neat braids, leaving her neck bare. Eugene’s hand lingered there for a moment, and Quinlyn watched, her brow furrowing in confusion

When they reached the classroom door, the bell hadn’t rung yet. Eugene told Mandy to go inside first, then turned to Quinlyn. “Let’s wait and go in when class starts,” he suggested gently.

“It’ll be a fun surprise for everyone. We can hang out in the office for a bit, and I’ll get you some candy,” he added.

Eugene’s voice was smooth and coaxing, but Quinlyn shook her head. She didn’t take candy from strangers–especially not after hearing stories of poisoned treats in the borderlands. She suspected this teacher had something similar in mind.

“Don’t be scared. Your brother asked me to keep an eye on you, remember?” Eugene said, giving her a reassuring smile.

Quinlyn hesitated, then nodded slowly. But as she began to follow Eugene, a kid at the classroom door shouted, “Quinlyn“”

In an instant, kids streamed out from the classroom, rushing to crowd around her.

Is that Quinlyn? The one who stopped the robber?” one kid asked.

“Yeah, she was like a superhero! Like Spider–Man, another kid replied

“No way, she was more like Batman,” a third kid chimed in.

wide with excitement, like

the mall and glanced up at Eugene. I know these kids. It won’t be much of a surprise now, will it?” she asked.

pretty solid connections,” he said, trying to sound friendly. “In

up and ready to turn heads. She was right on time, expecting to be the star of the show. But

here!” one of the kids called out “Quinlyn is so clueless.

“Harriet, get

played with Barbie dolls. That’s insane, another girl chimed

bet she’s never collected

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Tue, 18 Mar

Chapter 29

turned to Harriet, waiting

she’s never heard of that stuff. Guess she’s been playing with sticks and mud her whole life. She’s so out of it.

kids would make fun of someone from the backwaters, thinking they

bite.

Batman, but she can save people just like he

Barbie dolls isn’t a big deal. Dolls

slumped in her seat, too angry to move for the rest of the morning study

finally came, Harriet got up to go to the bathroom. As she passed Mandy’s desk, she knocked her pencil case to the floor and stomped on it a few times before storming off.

watching Mandy bunch over to

other kids, busy laughing and joking, ignored her completely; some even stepped on the pens as they walked by. Mandy just

didn’t move to help. She figured Mandy

herself.

up the basics. She initially struggled with the first chapter, but soon found her rhythm

familiar letters in the textbook and realized it was Mordorian–the same language from that “Triendly exchange” website she had

communicate, she spent the whole class learning the alphabet and memorizing as many words as she could. By the end

snacks in his desk. He’d sneak bites every now and then, always worried Quinlyn

quiet–even though the smell of

She glanced up to see Mandy, with her hair in two pigtails, quickly withdrawing her hand.