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.

forward, navigating through the crowd, until they reached a group gathered around the grand

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

burst into applause. The adults smiled warmly at

bow, but when she saw Edward, her face lit up. She quickly jogged toward him, beaming as she cheerfully said, “Grandpa!

the kind of

one of those adults.

18 Mar 0

Chapter 37

military background and stern demeanor made

play her part–finish the performance and act sweet–but that

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

het lip, forcing a nod even though she felt nervous inside. She stepped forward, taking

immediately began

tell she’s really respectful, a nearby

considerate Harriet is.

sight, the guests exchanged

time spent together, there

used to it. The wheels jammed and made an awkward squeak, and Harriet felt her cheeks burn

in his

a mix of fear and fluster. She quickly apologized and tried to turn

girl, waved his hand dismissively. “It’s alright. You’re too small for

it made her

all the strength she could, Harriet finally managed to turn

had pressed down on the blanket on Edward’s lap, causing it to slip halfway off. Only a small corner of it

over to pick it up, but then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw

she screamed,

gazes fell on Edward’s empty pant legs. After a stunned moment of silence,

legs had been blown off in battle, a wound that had earned him veteran’s disability benefits. It was a mark of honor

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 her, and she instantly

Maurice, who usually doted on her, was now visibly upset.

darkened with frustration.

anything to