The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 666

What... what on earth was happening?

All of her things were gone.

Leda's mind raced. A sudden thought struck her, draining the color from her face —but she quickly forced herself to calm down, smoothing her expression until it was perfectly composed.

Of course. That's right. Her adoptive parents, the Marshalls, had always doted on her, eager to please her, desperate for her approval. Even if Hilda had told them what happened today, they'd never believe it. They loved her too much.

That explained it-why her bedroom had been emptied out.

They must be planning to redecorate, to surprise her with something special. Yes, that had to be it.

With this comforting thought, Leda waited, pacing and glancing at the clock until six-then seven-when finally, Mr. and Mrs. Marshall came home.

The moment she saw them, Leda rushed over, flinging herself into their arms.

"Mom, Dad, you're finally home! I missed you so much," she whimpered, clinging to them, her voice trembling as she tried to sound as pitiful as possible.

In the past, her little acts of affection would have melted the Marshalls' hearts, making them eager to give her the very best the world had to offer.

matter how much Leda poured on the charm,

of panic crashed over her. She tightened her grip on them, as if afraid they might slip

instant, both Marshalls harshly pried her hands away and shoved

them, her voice barely more than a whisper. “Did I do something wrong? Why are you treating me like this all of a sudden?" Her

been moved by her tears. Now, Mrs. Marshall looked

Mrs. Marshall slapped Leda hard across the face. Her voice was cold as ice. "You're worse than a stray off the street. All these years, our love was wasted

we threw it all out. The way we took you in from the orphanage-now you can leave

pushed Leda sharply to

Leda was

The parents w once loved her so fiercelyal

died for her

out like

She couldn't leave. She couldn't lose the

the cold, the constant humiliation.

dropped to her knees before

this. I have no one but you. If you throw me out, where am I supposed

hesitate, Mr. Marshall stepped forward and shoved Leda

go, but you're leaving now. Get out of my house," he said, voice cold as

added, "We have a new member joining our