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.

they

the bright lights. Her smooth

room burst into applause. The adults smiled warmly at her, while the kids

Edward, her face lit up. She quickly jogged

innocent charm, she had the kind of

unfortunately, Edward wasn’t one of

Tue, 18

Chapter 37

military background and stern demeanor made him seem

how to play her part–finish the performance and act sweet–but that was about! all she

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

a nod even though she felt

immediately began to praise

girl. You can tell she’s

how sweet and considerate Harriet is. She really cares about

who was still nowhere in sight,

mattered, but without time

but she wasn’t used to it. The wheels jammed and made an awkward squeak, and

slightly in his seat,

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

difficult for the girl, waved his hand dismissively. “It’s alright. You’re

feel everyone in the room staring at her, and it made her more determined.

the strength she could, Harriet finally managed

The wheels had pressed down on the blanket on Edward’s lap, causing

the corner of her eye, she saw Edward’s legs, and she froze. Her

screamed,

scream. Their gazes fell on Edward’s empty pant legs. After a stunned moment

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

interacted with Edward, 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

to Grandpa!” Maurice,

darkened with frustration.

to