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.

no matter how much Leda poured on the

her. She tightened her grip on them, as

harshly pried her hands away and shoved her

barely more than a whisper. “Did I do something wrong? Why are you treating me like this all

Marshalls would have been moved by her tears. Now, Mrs. Marshall looked

urge to retch, Mrs. Marshall slapped Leda hard across the face. Her voice was cold as ice. "You're

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

to the

Leda was

parents w once

died for

out like a

leave. She couldn't lose the

the cold,

the floor, Leda dropped to her knees before

I have no one but you. If you

stepped forward

care where you go, but you're leaving now. Get out of my house," he said,

"We have a new member joining our family today. Don't