The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 555

The little girl had rushed off right after saving him, so quickly that Theo hadn't even managed to ask her name.

Even after so many years, what lingered most in his memory was the old silver locket she wore, scratched and battered with age.

All these years, Theo had never given up searching for her. But they'd both been so young, and aside from that locket, he had nothing else to go on. Looking for her was like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Now, as Theo looked at Jeanette, his eyes were shining with a hint of excitement. Testing the waters, he asked, "Do you remember anything from years ago on Old Willow Lane in Havencrest?"

Jeanette put on a thoughtful expression, pretending to dig through her memories. After a moment, she said, "Old Willow Lane? I hardly ever went there, but there was one time I'll never forget."

Theo fixed his gaze on her, a flicker of hope in his eyes.

Jeanette's mind wandered to the story Kali had once told her about the scratched locket. Her eyes dimmed a little as she began, "I was very young-maybe six or seven at the time. I remember running into a group of kidnappers in the neighborhood. They had snatched a boy, and I think... I think I was the one who managed to help him escape."

Theo's emotions got the better of him. He gripped Jeanette's shoulders, looking at her intently. "Do you remember what you said to him back then?"

feigned embarrassment, her cheeks flushing. "I told him... since I saved him, he belonged to me

all Theo needed to hear. His

him, a glimmer of

between me and that boy.

tell me you're the boy I

Theo nodded.

rush of emotion overtook Jeanette, and she jumped to her feet. "So it was you! I've been searching for you for

face faded a little. She looked at Theo, her voice awkward and uncertain. "Theo, I never imagined we'd meet again like

looking down. "I... I must look like a

met her gaze, speaking each word clearly. "Don't worry. You saved me once, and I won't turn my back on you. If you don't mind you can stay with me from now on. I'll look out for

briefly

women had made her a sensation, and people everywhere now called her the "People's

shot up right along with