Chapter 7
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When it came to taking care of children, Joseph was undeniably the most attentive and considerate individual. After selecting a picture book, the trio exited the bookstore, and Joseph extended an invitation to Quinlyn for ice cream.
“It’s far too sweet; what’s so appealing about it?” Stanley muttered with a pout, clearly not a fan of sweets. However, upon turning around, he found Joseph and Quinlyn already standing at the entrance of the ice cream shop.
Joseph pointed at the menu and leaned down to inquire of Quinlyn. “Do you see any flavors you like?”
Quinlyn shook her head, looking puzzled at the vibrant flavor chart. Tve never tried any of these before.”
Stanley, who had just entered a step behind, paused at her words. He then noticed how slender Quinlyn was, with dull hair. She likely struggled to get enough to eat most days, let alone indulge in sweets at a place like this.
For a moment, Stanley felt ashamed of his oversight, and a surge of sympathy welled up within him. He quickly stepped forward, taking Quinlyn’s hand. “Come on, let’s order one of each flavor, and you can try them all one by one.”
A few minutes later, a table was laden with an assortment of ice creams, all piled up in front of Quinlyn. She took a spoonful of the dark chocolate flavor, and the sweet taste caused her eyes to sparkle with delight.
Stanley, observing her expression intently, finally felt a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. “If you like it so much, we’ll buy a whole freezer full so you can enjoy it whenever you want.”
Across from them, Joseph reminded him with a blend of helplessness and amusement, “Kids have delicate stomachs; eating too much cold stuff will give them a bellyache.”
Stanley was momentarily taken aback, scratching his head and muttering, “Why is raising kids so challenging?” But as he watched Quinlyn quietly eating in front of him, his heart softened, thinking it wouldn’t hurt to take good care of her.
Just then, through the glass window, a group of kids walked by outside, and suddenly, the most prominent one stopped and glanced into the store.
Quinlyn quickly looked up and locked eyes with Harriet, who looked surprised.
Outside the store, as Harriet paused, the other kids followed her gaze and looked at the three people inside. They all wondered and asked Harriet questions in a hurry.
“Hey, Harriet, isn’t that your brother? Why is he eating with other kids?”
“Yeah, didn’t you say he didn’t have time to hang out with you?”
“Isn’t that the top student from high school sitting across from him? He’s really handsome!”
Kids from wealthy families were well–acquainted with the upperclassmen who proceed directly to high school. Figures like Stanley and Joseph, with their striking appearances and unique characteristics, often steal the spotlight in their
conversations.
Harriet was the center of her group, all thanks to her brother, Stanley. But now, it seemed like Stanley had other little sister around him.
A girl suggested. “Harriet, didn’t you say your brother adores you the most? Let’s go in and ask him to treat us to so
some ice
cream
Another girl echoed. “Yeah, I’m really craving ice cream!”
With the crowd egging her on. Harriet couldn’t remain seated. She glared at the trio, bit her lip, and said, “Alright, let’s go in And just like that, the kids swarmed in, bypassing the waitress and rushing over to Quinlyn’s table.
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Chapter 7
“Stanley!” Harriet was the first to step forward, grabbing Stanley’s sleeve and sweetly saying, “Why didn’t you tell me your were going out for fun? We could’ve gone together. My classmates really like your”
“Yeah, Stanley, Harriet said you’re amazing at gaming. Can you teach us? Wow, you guys ordered so much ice cream, can you share it with us?
Surrounded by a flock of chany kids, Stanley began to get a headache. He gently pushed Harriet aside, saying impatiently, “If you want something to eat, buy it yourself. You’re not short on cash. Stop bothering me here.”
Harriet never anticipated Stanley embarrassing her in front of her classmates. Her face flushed crimson, and she bit her lip, pleading. “But I want to stay with you, Stanley.”
The other children looked puzzled and pointed at Quinlyn, inquiring. “Who is she, and why is she dining with Stanley? Is she Joseph’s sister?”
“That’s nonsense, someone retorted. “Joseph doesn’t have a sister.”
Seeing them discuss Quinlyn, Harriet panicked, fearing they might discover her adoption. Flustered, she blurted out, “She’s the daughter of our new housekeeper.”
Everyone understood instantly, and when they glanced at Quinlyn again, a hint of disdain flickered in their eyes.
“No wonder her clothes aren’t nice, one child remarked.
“Harriet, your brother is so kind, inviting the housekeeper’s daughter to a meal. Why doesn’t he invite us too?” another
asked.
Though they could easily afford ice cream, being children from wealthy families, they were accustomed to getting their way and couldn’t handle rejection, especially with Quinlyn’s status being so obvious, making them feel even more superior.
However, before Harriet could come up with an excuse, Stanley slammed his hand on the table. The sudden noise startled everyone, and when they looked up, they saw Stanley glaring at Harriet with a serious expression.
“Who are you calling the housekeeper’s daughter?” Stanley demanded. “Harriet, after staying at the Anderson residence for so long, have you forgotten your own status?”
He pulled Harriet towards him and spoke in a calm but firm voice, “Everything you use, even your name, is borrowed. How dare you speak nonsense here?”
“Stanley…” Harriet had never seen him so furious before, and being publicly humiliated was a devastating blow to her. Tears streamed down her face.
Stanley hated it when Harriet cried. Seeing her like this, he clicked his tongue in annoyance, pushed her away, and pointed at Quinlyn, announcing to the group, “Listen up, she’s my sister, Quinlyn. If I catch any of you bullying her, you’ll all get a spanking. Got it?”
Intimidated by his fierce demeanor, the group of children scattered like frightened birds. Harriet, left rubbing her eyes, realized no one was there to comfort her. She glared at Quinlyn and ran off, feeling wronged, to find Tina.
Sitting across from them, Joseph shook his head and sighed, “Harriet really needs to be disciplined.” He wasn’t as soft- hearted as he seemed; in fact, he was hercely protective. Seeing Harriet, he could imagine what life was like for Quinlyn at the Anderson residence.
Stanley gave a cold snort but didn’t bother to argue this time. Seeing Quinlyn sitting quietly by the window, he strangely a hint of discomfort. Everything should have belonged to Quinlyn, but now she seemed like
outsider.
Quinlyn could hear everything but wasn’t concerned about Harriet’s targeting, as it lacked impact and posed no real threat.
By the time she reached her third ice cream, Quinlyn realized she couldn’t eat any more and felt a bit sorry for the
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remaining desserts
“You can fume parked to go if you think it’s a waste” Joseph suggested. “Take it home to eat.”
Quinlyn didn’t know the food could be taken to go and immediately nodded in agreement–she no longer needed to force herself to finish it all
After finishing the meal, Stanley was still eager and couldn’t wait to ask Quinlyn. “What else do you want? Let’s go buy some
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