The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming

Zachary and Sophia had stayed at Hope Elementary School in Coalmarsh for three days, working with the teachers to finalize arrangements for the children. Once they were certain the village chief wouldn't stir up any more trouble, they decided it was time to leave.

During these three days, Zane and Connie had been helping out around the village while getting to know each other. Their feelings had grown quickly. By the time they were getting ready to leave, the two were already holding hands.

"Zachary, Connie and I are together now. She doesn't mind that I had a previous relationship. She said I'm still clean because I never kissed or hugged. I'm a pure- hearted guy, so she agreed to be with me." Zane beamed as he pulled Connie toward Zachary,

Zachary simply stared at him.

Sometimes, Zane really was a bit too simple and naive. No wonder the family had never pushed him to take over any business affairs. Instead, they'd encouraged him to pursue whatever made him happy.

A person like him could be sweet-talked out of everything he owned. If Connie ever wanted to swindle him, he might not even realize it until it was too late.

Still, Zane had never helped Ruby hurt anyone. He had stayed out of trouble, and that alone earned him some points.

"Congratulations. If you're done here, go get packed. We're leaving for Dithoria soon," Zachary said calmly.

"Okay, I'll get ready now."

With that, Zane and Connie hurried off to pack. They hadn't brought much on the way in, but they had gathered plenty of wild greens to take home.

For the past three days, Connie had been obsessed with the local vegetables. She kept asking the school kitchen to cook them every day.

Each time she ate them, she'd marvel at how good they were and claim to finally understand why some people in ancient times were so passionate about foraging. It wasn't about love, she said, it was about being a true foodie.

Both Zachary and Sophia had tried the same dishes. They didn't think the taste was particularly special, but they still helped pack everything up for the others.

Taylor arranged for security guards to escort them out of the mountains. Since they had done this once before and it was broad daylight, the trip down was much quicker.

Once they reached the foot of the mountain, they spotted their car. The guards gave a final wave before heading back.

Ms. Walker doesn't like these. Otherwise, I would've just given them all of her,"

Sophia asked

got trapped in the mountain for days. When her supplies ran out, she had to survive on wild greens and whatever meat

hate it too if

back to Dithoria," Zachary said as he opened the door and got into the

stretch with Zane. We won't stop in Everwyn County. Aside from meals, we'll go straight

take over driving when you two

chimed in quickly. "Me

will take

the car and started the

already knew the route, they moved much faster this time. Sophia and Connie both fell asleep in the backseat, completely

the car was already on

wants to get home quickly. He's got something to discuss with

No need to worry about anything. We'll stop i 30 minutes at a rest area. You can use the restroom and grab a bite," he

really

Once we were back on the road, it was easier to

why did I sleep so long too? Doesn't make sense." Connie grumbled as she stretched

out of the mountains.

"I guess you're right."

switch out at the

front seat. Zachary's eyes

all, clearly

did he drive before switching?" she

worry about him, Sophia.

stop. Zane pulled

and use the restroom. I'll order food and call Zachary when

and stretched with a groan. It had been a long time since he