Fake heiress Real heroine

Chapter 25

That afternoon, most kids were chilling in the shade, playing games and staying out of the sun. But Quinlyn was out there, practicing her basketball shots all by herself despite the heat.

At first, she struggled with the big ball–her short arms made it hard to control, and the ball kept going wild.

Some students laughed at her clumsy attempts as they passed by, pointing and teasing.

Harriet watched Quinlyn darting around by herself, a flicker of smugness stirring inside her. “She looks so pitiful,” Harriet remarked, her tone dripping with insincerity. If she wants to join our game, we could let her.”

For once, Harriet toyed with the idea of being a little kinder to Quinlyn, considering that the money on Quinlyn’s card would soon be hers.

Quinlyn wasn’t backing down from basketball. If she missed a shot, she’d just keep trying. If she didn’t get it right away, she’d break down Harry’s advice, figure it out, and adjust her game.

Meanwhile, a group of kids lounging in the shade, eyes glued to their cards, glanced up just in time to see a basketball sail through the hoop from way beyond the three–point line.

“Did that really go in!” they muttered, thinking they were seeing things. But then they saw Quinlyn pick up another ball, step back to the three–point line, and swish it again–another perfect shot

Harry went from barely paying attention to standing right next to her, grabbing balls and watching her like she was a hidden

gem.

He nodded. “Not bad at all. You’ve definitely got potential. I saw you running earlier; you looked like you were made for this. How about I time your sprint later?”

Quinlyn shook her head. “I just want to grow taller,” she said, her mind on something bigger.

Harry rubbed his nose, feeling a bit awkward. He was just making it up when he said basketball could help her grow taller, but he didn’t admit it

Pretty soon, more kids gathered around the court, cheering every time Quinlyn made a basket. They found it more exciting than opening card packs.

“Wow, that’s amazing!” one kid shouted. “Her three–pointers are on point, and her layups are perfect.”

always knew Quinlyn was amazing,” another added. “No wonder she’s not into cards. She’s cooler than any

flash, the trading cards under the shade were forgotten

She was

her to overdo it and risk heatstroke. With ten minutes left in class,

on her face, then jogged

familiar figure walking out of the school building–Eugene, with a few girls trailing behind him.

Thinking of how furious Joseph had looked after

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Chapter 25

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behind the school. It was summer, and the woods were thick with leaves. Quinlyn

and a wave of discomfort washed over

had never been to school, but she understood that as girls grew up, their bodies were private and sensitive- something others

we’ll have to play here for a bit,” Eugene said. His voice, usually soft, was now low and rough,

slowly over the girls knees, his voice echoing softly. “Who

Eugene had noticed his phone was missing and suspected the girls had taken

advice to stay calm echoed in her mind.

the girls started to cry softly. Instead of making Eugene feel sorry for them, their tears only seemed to make him more

perfect,” he muttered, pacing around with a big grin like he was in a trance. Then he snapped, “Now,

until she saw one of the girls tugging at her dress. Then it hit her–what Eugene was really up

her town. She was a beautiful older girl who had visited Quinlyn a few times, encouraging her to go to school and even making pretty

had said. “I’ve read books and seen how much they can do. That’s why I’m here to share that with you. Quinlyn, things here won’t always be this way.

town, but Fiona fell apart first. Rumors circulated that she’d been

house, each wearing a smug, satisfied smile, as if they’d just won something.

once so beautiful and gentle, lay among torn

ended her life by jumping into the river. When she died, she was pregnant. They said she didn’t want to bring the baby into the

to the town, sacrificing her future, with the hope of changing the fate of the