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.

wheelchair rolled forward, navigating through the crowd, until they

gorgeous white gown, was performing under the bright lights. Her smooth skin and delicate features were already hinting at

her music finished, the room burst into applause. The adults smiled warmly at

lit up. She quickly jogged toward

had the kind of cuteness that

unfortunately, Edward wasn’t one of those

Tue, 18

Chapter 37

background and stern demeanor made him seem intimidating, and his lack of warmth only made his presence

really like Edward. She knew how to play her part–finish the performance and act sweet–but that was about! all

“Harriet, you haven’t seen Grandpa in so long. Don’t you want to get closer to him”

bit het lip, forcing a nod even though she felt nervous inside.

immediately began

good girl. You can tell she’s really respectful, a

you’re lucky. Look at how sweet and considerate Harriet is. She really cares about you another voice

Hailey, who was still nowhere in sight, the guests exchanged knowing glances. They

but without time spent together, there was no

Harriet tried to push the wheelchair, but she wasn’t used to it. The wheels

in his seat,

Grandpa‘ I didn’t mean to Harriet squeaked, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and fluster. She

for the girl, waved his hand

at her, and it made her more determined. “No,

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

as she took a step forward, she heard a rustling sound up ahead. The wheels had pressed down on the blanket

her eye, she saw Edward’s

she screamed, “Ah!”

toward the scream. Their gazes fell on Edward’s empty pant legs. After

that had earned him veteran’s disability benefits. It was a mark of honor -one that no

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 told. The sight terrified

Get up and apologize to Grandpa!” Maurice, who usually doted on her,

darkened with frustration.

to