The Phantom Heiress Rising From The Shadows

Chapter 80

Chapter 80 Ethan's Gift For

Brenna

Although Alec's resentment toward Brenna simmered beneath the surface, he was painfully aware that his

family could not afford to risk offending the Harper family now. In fact, he saw this as a crucial opportunity-

one he hoped would help him bring his family back to its former glory.

Alec's gaze lingered on Brenna, his expression etched with a mix of pain. "You must remember what I did for

you, Brenna. I raised you and guided you, and now that you're living a prosperous life, you can't forget the

kindness I've shown you, can you?" he said.

Brenna's eyes grew cold, her composure unwavering. "Don't worry. I won't forget that," she replied calmly, her voice steady. "I'll make sure my parents and brothers look after the Barrett family."

The Barrett family members, overwhelmed with excitement, struggled to conceal their delight. Hope flickered in their eyes as they exchanged glances.

Alec's voice dropped to a more personal tone as he leaned in slightly. "In that case, I won't hide anything from you. Since you left, the company has barely received any new orders. We've even fallen behind on wages for the workers. Could you ask your parents to assign us some projects? It would make a world of difference," he said.

Brenna's expression remained unchanging, though inwardly, her mind raced. The Barrett family had always managed to secure work in the past; there had never been a shortage of orders. Why were they in such dire straits now? It seemed their company was on the brink of collapse.

Brenna's gaze flicked toward Shepard, noting the icy detachment in his eyes. It was clear that he didn't favor the Barrett family-his dislike for them was palpable. Could the Barrett family's current financial struggles be a result of his actions?

"Don't worry, Brenna," Shepard said, his voice steady and reassuring as his hand gently patted her shoulder. "I will help the Barrett family's business." His words carried weight, an attempt to maintain control and prevent his daughter from appearing ungrateful, especially in front of others.

With the Harper family's promise, the Barrett family felt a newfound sense of pride, their dreams of joining Shirie's elite suddenly within reach. The idea of growing their empire under such protection filled them with a quiet, satisfied anticipation.

Ruby smiled with practiced warmth, her voice laced with insincerity as she said, "I always knew you were a thoughtful child, Brenna. Though you've left our family, you'll always remain my daughter. And should you ever choose to return, the Barrett family will always welcome you back with open arms."

Brenna's lips tightened into a thin line, her patience wearing thin. The words were like venom now, spoken with such deceitful sweetness that she could hardly stand to hear them. When she had left the Barrett family, Ruby had been cruel, her words to her harsh and cold.

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Now, seeing the shift in Ruby's attitude, Brenna

frustration, Brenna glanced at her parents her face unreadable. "I'm going to change

nudged Isabella, "Go with Brenna,"

false sweetness.

face hardening as jealousy

had Brenna enjoyed the comfort of the Barrett family for twenty years only to step into an

up inside her, and she crossed her arms, unwilling

floor, her envy growing harder to contain with every passing

was life so unfair?

took a shopping bag from Neville, his eyes softening as they met Brenna's. He said, "Brenna, I picked this dress out for you. Would you like to try

smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you, Ethan. That's very kind of you, but there's no need for that. My parents have already chosen a dress for me, and I'd prefer not to disregard their thoughtful

her fists, her eyes

Brenna,

ignore. She was right before Ethan, yet he didn't even glance her way. What made Brenna so special? Wasn't she just as beautiful, if not more so? Surely, Ethan's

was flawed.

noticing Isabella's simmering frustration, quickly intervened, saying

Brenna to change?"

perhaps this was Isabella's chance to

Isabella, signaling her silently to seize

and

to be kind to you. Why

Her words were calm, but the underlying tension was palpable. She could barely conceal the frustration

but smirk inwardly. An idea began to take root in

eyes, Rosie said, "Yes, Brenna, Mr. Mitchell never gifts clothes to women. You're the first to receive such a

then drifted toward Audrey, who stood

Ethan's father, the two families were bound by strong ties. Logically,

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