The Phantom Heiress Rising From The Shadows

Chapter 281 I Really Don't Understand What Mr....

Brenna turned to see a meticulously dressed little girl enter, resembling a life- sized Barbie doll.

"Brenna!" Suddenly, Brenna's leg was embraced, and looking down, she saw Patrick had somehow run over, his expression a pout of unhappiness.

Brenna gently took his hand. "What's wrong?"

"Daddy got called away and left me all alone. I don't like it here." Patrick's eyes flashed with hurt as he glared at Tina. "She just called me a bastard!"

Brenna's expression turned cold. Just as she had feared, the notorious infighting within the Russell family had already ensnared an innocent child. Even siblings in the family seemed to take pleasure in tearing each other down

She crouched down to Patrick's level. "Stay with me. I'll make sure she regrets calling you that."

"Okay!" Patrick's eyes brightened with a hint of vengeful anticipation as he nodded eagerly.

At noon, Amy Russell, the matriarch of the Russell family, made her entrance. She was silver-haired yet surprisingly spry. Her rosy cheeks and lively stride belied her age. She looked to be in a good mood.

"You must be the Harper girl who has recently returned," Amy said to Brenna.

"Yes, that's me. Happy birthday, Mrs. Russell," Brenna said respectfully.

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Amy's gaze lingered pointedly on Brenna's arm linked with Ethan's. "You are quite the beauty. Have you been engaged to Ethan?"

Brenna answered, "No, but we are dating."

Amy's lips pursed slightly. "I always thought Rosie would become Ethan's wife. All of this is rather unexpected.

favors his

Beneath Amy's kind exterior lurked a sharp

intended to make

and Jade stood nearby, exchanging amused glances as they watched

to confront the elder of the

through Amy's with practiced ease, "you have always

so kind to me."

look while patting Rosie's hand tenderly. "The Harpers display such poor manners-not a single family member came to celebrate my eightieth

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Understand What Mr. Mitchell

family ever mistreats

beamed. "Thank

meddling old woman. Her own family was a hotbed of conflict,

attempt to create animosity between her and Rosie was evident. Brenna believed

person.

given Amy's obvious favoritism, Brenna wondered if she envisioned Rosie marrying

Russell family.

clearly anticipating an

opened her mouth to respond, Ethan

well aware that refined manners were a rare commodity within the Russell family. "Mrs. Russell, Rosie has always been treated well in the Harper family. Luther cherishes her, Shepard has raised her like

fixed on Rosie. "Wouldn't you agree,

Ethan was talking to her

never talked to