Fake heiress Real heroine

Chapter 37

Chapter 37

The banquet hall on the third floor buzzed with chatter and laughter. Tonight, the city’s elite had gathered to celebrate the Anderson family’s reunion with their long–lost lady. Almost everyone had shown up, except for those who couldn’t make it due to prior commitments.

Though Maurice’s company was struggling. Edward still had a lot of clout in the community. In his youth, he was a local hero for his disaster relief work

It was also said that he was extremely fond of his granddaughter. That was why even those who couldn’t attend personally had sent their children to the event, hoping to make commections with the Anderson family’s young lady,

Tina had arrived early with Harriet, and now they were both chatting with the guests nearby.

One woman leaned in and whispered. “Tina, you are so lucky. Not only did you find your biological daughter, but adopted daughter is beautiful and successful. You’ve got double the joy”

However, Tina and Harriet exchanged an uncomfortable look.

your

Tina held Harriet’s before responding. “Harriet has been with me for so many years. She’s like my own daughter. I just hope she can help guide Hailey a bit. Hailey’s been out there for so long, and now…. Well, she’s a bit of a mess.”

The ladies around them were quick to catch on. As soon as they heard that, they realized that Hailey, the biological daughter, was probably just some unsophisticated country girl, not someone who would fit into their world.

They had come to witness the drama, but now they were even more intrigued to see what the real Hailey would be like.

Maurice pushed Edward toward the banquet hall, scanning the crowd but not seeing Quinlyn anywhere. He couldn’t help but feel a little satisfied, though his face tightened as he muttered, “Hailey is something else. All the elders are here, and she’s

still late.

Edward nodded at the guests around them, acknowledging their greetings, but without even glancing up, he replied. “Your precious son isn’t here, either.”

Maurice scanned the room quickly. Stanley was nowhere to be found. He forced a tight smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “He’s probably busy looking after Hailey. She’s new here, and she doesn’t know the ropes. Stanley’s been the one watching out for her.

“Enough with the excuses.” Edward cut him off, waving his hand dismissively. “After this banquet, I’m taking Hailey home with me.

Maurice’s annoyance boiled just below the surface, but he managed to smile through it, saying. “Fine. I’ll take you to the

front then.

the crowd, until they reached a group gathered around the grand

performing under the bright lights. Her smooth skin and delicate features were already hinting at the beauty she’d

The adults smiled warmly at her, while the kids watched with wide- eyed admiration.

quickly jogged

the kind of cuteness that

one

Tue, 18 Mar

Chapter 37

His military background and stern demeanor made him seem intimidating, and his lack of warmth

didn’t really like Edward. She knew how to play her part–finish the performance and act sweet–but that

behind her, gently nudged her and smiled. “Harriet, you haven’t seen Grandpa in so long.

a nod even though she felt

immediately began

girl. You can tell she’s really

Harriet is. She really cares about you another

about Hailey, who was still nowhere in sight, the guests

time spent together, there was no real connection.

to it. The wheels jammed and made an

jerked slightly in his seat,

Harriet squeaked, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and fluster.

to make things more difficult for the girl, waved his hand dismissively. “It’s alright. You’re too small for

at her, and it made her more determined. “No, Grandpa. I can do

the strength she could, Harriet finally managed to turn the wheelchair.

the blanket on Edward’s lap, causing it to slip halfway off. Only a small corner of it was still hanging on.

up, but then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw Edward’s legs, and she froze. Her eyes widened

she screamed,

turned toward the scream. Their gazes fell on Edward’s empty pant legs. After a stunned moment of silence, a few of the adults quickly

off in battle, a wound that had earned him veteran’s disability benefits. It was a mark of honor -one that no one

and she’d never seen his legs up close. Now, caught off guard and face–to- face with them, she forgot everything she had been

and apologize to Grandpa!” Maurice, who usually doted on her, was now visibly

darkened with frustration.

to stop her.