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.

rolled forward, navigating through the crowd, until they reached

white gown, was 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

stood up and took a bow, but when she saw Edward, her face lit up. She quickly jogged toward him, beaming as she

charm, she had the kind of cuteness that melted most people’s hearts–especially

unfortunately, Edward wasn’t one of

18 Mar 0

Chapter 37

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

part–finish the performance and act sweet–but that was about! all she could

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

a nod even though she felt nervous inside.

began to

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

considerate Harriet is. She really

in sight, the guests

mattered, but without time spent together, there was no real connection.

to push the wheelchair, but she wasn’t used to it. The wheels jammed and made an awkward squeak, and Harriet felt her cheeks

in his

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

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

room staring at her, and it made her more determined. “No, Grandpa. I can do it! Please

the strength she could, Harriet

heard a rustling sound up ahead. The wheels had pressed down on the blanket on Edward’s lap, causing it to slip halfway off. Only a small corner of it

up, but then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw Edward’s legs,

screamed, “Ah!”

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

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

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

you crying? Get up and apologize to Grandpa!” Maurice, who usually doted on

darkened with frustration.

do anything to stop her.