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Chapter 2
Chapter 2
64%
The boy, Joseph Wilson, had finally settled his nerves, nibbling on a morsel of food, his demeanor a stark contrast to the other frightened children. His eyes darted toward the doorway, a shadow of worry lingering in their depths.
When the officer’s question pierced the air, his lips were poised to utter the words that someone had aided their escape.
But before he could voice his secret, a warm touch enveloped his hand. Joseph’s head turned, revealing a petite, willowy girl standing serenely beside him.
“You” he started, a blend of astonishment and joy flickering across his face, ready to reveal her as his helper. Yet, a subtle squeeze of his fingers served as a swift reminder that unveiling her identity could spell disaster.
“What’s the occasion here? Who does this child belong to?” The officer, clutching a registration form, peered at Quinlyn with bewilderment, her attire not hinting at a life of privilege.
Instinctively, Joseph stepped forward, shielding Quinlyn with his body and crafting a seamless alibi. “She’s the girl Mr. Anderson’s family recently discovered. Living in the countryside, she was unfortunately swept up in our abduction on her way back to the city.”
The officer’s gaze softened with a hint of sympathy, as if murmuring, “Misfortune indeed,” but he didn’t probe further.
Joseph claimed he’d wrestled free from his bonds and fled. The darkness and fear had blinded the others, rendering Quinlyn invisible. Thus, as he guided her back into the throng, suspicion remained a distant echo.
“Thank you,” Quinlyn murmured, drifting to a corner, her gratitude a quiet whisper.
Joseph handed her bread and milk, chuckling softly. The thanks are mine. Without you, our plight would be dire.”
His hubris had led him into the kidnappers‘ trap. Reflecting on it now, embarrassment tinged his cheeks..
As his gaze lingered on Quinlyn, he marveled at how she, so delicate, had orchestrated their escape. His eyes caught the bag at her feet. “What’s that?”
“Money” Quinlyn replied without lifting her gaze.
Joseph peered at the humble plastic bag, skeptical of its contents, and inquired, “So, where to next?”
He owed his life to Quinlyn and believed she shouldn’t return to the perilous town. Little did he know that Quinlyn was viewed with dread, a specter haunting the villagers‘ dreams.
Quinlyn took a hearty bite of her bread and replied succinctly. “The city”
Joseph was taken aback. Seeking to aid her, he explained, “In the city, a security number is a must for travel and education. Without it, you might resort to illegal labor. It’s a harsh world for children.”
Quinlyn gave him a puzzled glance; she had a network of contacts and employers eager to welcome her. Her connections in the borderlands were unparalleled, a world unknown to Joseph.
Joseph thought she was anxious and leaned in closer, his whisper urgent. “I have a plan. On our journey here, Mr. Anderson’s child fell from the car and didn’t make it. Pretend you’re their daughter.”
Quinlyn cast a skeptical glance at his head, thinking that this guy must have skipped a few classes in logic.
Pretending to be someone else’s child wasn’t as simple as he made it sound, If it were, the Andersons wouldn’t have spent. weeks searching. One blood test would expose the charade. But desperate for a ride, she decided to bite her tongue–for
now
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Chapter 2
Days passed as the car rolled back into the city, and parents trickled in to reclaim their children. Quinlyn stood armudit the crowd, reluctant to move, but Joseph propelled her toward a middle–aged man
“Mr. Anderson, this is Hailey, Joseph announced to the man, who happened to be Hailey’s father, Maurice Anderson
Maurice was momentarily startled by Joseph’s words, and then noticed Quinlyn’s disheveled, dirt–streaked appearance. Disgust creased his brow instinctively
Quinlyn, all too aware of such looks, quickly averted her gaze and declared firmly, “That’s not me, you’ve got the wrong person
Maurice’s brows furrowed deeper, yet indecision flickered in his eyes. “That temper does remind me of Dad,” he muttered, still awaiting the DNA test results. Playing it safe, he decided to take Quinlyn with him for the time being
Two days later, the kidnapping incident dominated the news, detailing the kids‘ narrow escapes. Quinlyn was whisked to at hospital in Brynton for a blood test.
While awaiting the results, Edward Anderson, Hailey’s grandfather, called Maurice with a specific request to meet Quinlyn
Tina Anderson, Maurice’s wife, opposed Quinlyn’s visit to Anderson Manor. “We’re not even sure if she’s the one, why is Mr. Anderson insisting on meeting her? It’s ridiculous,” she protested.
Maurice, equally stressed, explained, “Dad is organizing his inheritance, and as you know, his heart is set on Hailey. If he meets her, our chances against the other branches will improve.”
Tina murmured, “Even though Harriet is adopted, she’s like our own flesh and blood. Mr. Anderson is clearly biased.” Despite her words, she eventually relented.
Maurice hastily took Quinlyn to the Anderson Manor, buying her a new outfit en route. “When you see him, remember to call him grandpa and act sweetly, alright?” he reminded her.
Quinlyn’s eyes were fixed ahead on the opulent villas as they approached in silence.
Upon arrival, several servants emerged from the grand estate to escort them inside. They warmly greeted Quinlyn, treating her like a long–lost relative, stuffing her pockets with candies before she even crossed the threshold.
The living room was a hive of activity, with Edward seated at the center, his hair a snowy crown. From the moment Quinlyn entered, his gaze was riveted on her. Though his expression seemed stern, his eyes betrayed a hidden concern.
“Dad, this poor child has been wandering around and was even taken to the borderlands, enduring so much,” Maurice said. nudging Quinlyn forward for Edward’s scrutiny.
The other relatives, aware of Maurice’s intentions, scrutinized Quinlyn and inquired, “Did you bring the test results? Make sure you
haven’t made a mistake. This child doesn’t resemble anyone in the Anderson family.”
Maurice’s smile wavered, but before he could respond. Quinlyn suddenly reached out and held Edward’s hand. “Mr. Anderson, would you like to take a walk?” Her voice was clear, with a child’s softness but an unexpected calmness.
Edward was taken aback. He hadn’t expected Quinlyn to be fearless towards him. Harriet had cried incessantly upon first meeting, but Quinlyn, despite her lack of resemblance, had a determination in her eyes that he found endearing
So, he nodded. “Alright, let’s take a stroll in the garden, just the two of us.”
Everyone was astonished by this unexpected turn.
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Chapter 2
Maurice was pleased, believing Quinlyn knew exactly what she was doing. He hoped their time alone would bolster his
future inheritance share.
Quinlyn, though small and thin, was remarkably strong, pushing Edward’s wheelchair effortlessly. The garden was a symphony of exotic flora that she had never seen before, breathtaking in their beauty.
But she didn’t pause to admire them, instead keeping a sharp eye on their surroundings. When they reached a secluded area, she halted, approached Edward, and said solemnly, “I’m not your granddaughter. He’s just trying to deceive you out of your money.”
田
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