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.”

wonder she’s not into cards. She’s cooler than

adults. In a flash, the trading cards under the shade were forgotten as

grabbed all the attention. She was so frustrated that she tore up some

he didn’t want her to overdo it and risk heatstroke. With ten minutes left in class, he decided to call it a

to splash water on her face, then jogged over to the water fountain

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

of how furious Joseph had looked after checking Eugene’s phone, she quickly

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Chapter 25

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led the group to a small wooded area behind the school. It was summer, and the woods were thick

and a wave of discomfort washed over her.

grew up, their bodies were private and sensitive-

play here for a bit,” Eugene said. His voice, usually soft, was now low and

slowly over the girls knees,

girls had taken

it, but Joseph’s advice to stay calm echoed in her mind. Though

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

cry a little harder. Yeah, just like that. It’s perfect,” he muttered, pacing around with

saw one of the girls tugging at her dress. Then it hit her–what

came to her town. She was a beautiful older girl who had visited Quinlyn a few times, encouraging her

destiny,” Fiona 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

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

house, each wearing a smug, satisfied smile, as

lay among torn clothes, silent

she died, she was pregnant. They said she didn’t want to bring the baby into the world, so she chose to end

of changing the fate of the