The Phantom Heiress Rising From The Shadows

Chapter 16

Chapter 16 False

Accusation

Rosie wanted their grandmother, Tessa Harper, to see Brenna as nothing but trouble-a reckless, inconsiderate woman who didn't belong in the family. If she could paint Brenna in a bad light from the start, it would be much easier to do away with her.

She pouted, putting on a wounded expression. “Grandma, you have to do something about her."

To make her case stronger, she stretched out her foot, making sure the thick bandage around her ankle was

seen.

Tessa had always been fond of Rosie, her affection deepened by sympathy. Having lost her parents at a young age and been raised by her second uncle and aunt, Rosie had always received a lot more indulgence from Tessa.

"You should go change. It's important to stay presentable," Tessa said.

Despite her affection, Tessa was not blind to manipulation. She had lived long enough in this world to know Rosie wasn't just complaining-she was stirring up trouble for Brenna.

Brenna watched their exchange without a hint of emotion, making no effort to insert herself. She wasn't interested in currying favor. If this family didn't want her, she would just leave and live on her own.

From the other side of the car, Luther Harper stepped out. Dressed in a sharp suit, he carried himself with quiet authority. His hair had turned completely gray, and his back was bent with age. But his eyes softened when they landed on Brenna.

He walked slowly toward her, tears gathering in his eyes as he gently grasped her

arms.

Brenna met his gaze, her tone polite as she said, "Nice to meet you, Grandpa."

Luther nodded quickly, his voice warm with affection. "Good girl, you've been through so much. But don't worry; you are home now. Oh, look at you, so thin! We need to make sure you're eating properly from now on."

to pick Brenna up because I wanted to do something nice for her, but she got mad that I was

She had spent years crafting her image–the sweet, caring, well-mannered girl everyone adored. She was kind

had no doubt that everyone would take her side, never questioning

Brenna

Csing

at Brenna, daring her to protest, fully convinced that Brenna's attempt to defend

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on deaf ears.

to take what's mine. You don't stand

she forced herself to stay calm, she needed to see how Luther and Tessa would react. If they sided with Rosie without hesitation, she would

the restraint in Brenna's eyes and frowned slightly.

unusual today-almost deliberately provocative.

you, all dirty," she said to

her chest, her voice rising "Grandma, she bullied me, and

turned to Brenna, taking her hand in a rare gesture of warmth. "Don't mind her. She's not usually like this-I don't know what's gotten into her today. Come on, let me have a good look at you. Oh, you do have your mother's features," she

running straight for Brenna. Tears streamed down her face as she wrapped her arms around Brenna, holding her tightly. "My daughter... I've

She had spent years calling Ruby "Mom", only to be

was holding her like she was something precious,

sides. She was unsure of what to do. The word "Mom"

throat.

second car, his eyes locked onto Brenna. Shepard Harper believed he

for Giselle's shoulders and pulled

an awkward laugh. “I can't help it,” she admitted. “For twenty years, I've thought about my daughter every single day. Wondering where she was, if she was safe, if she was eating well... And then I found out she didn't even finish grade school? It felt like a knife