Chapter 16
Chapter 16
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As soon as Stanley got in the backseat, he grumbled, “Why do we need him along? It’s just a simple job–I can handle it on
my own.
Quinlyn sat quietly in the backseat, keeping to herself until the car passed through the villa gates. Then, out of nowhere, she said. To not your sister”
Joseph, behind the wheel, hit the brakes so hard that the car nearly skidded to a stop. He glanced back at Stanley, who looked like he’d been punched in the gut. “Why did she suddenly tell him the truth? Could it be. Joseph thought, bewildered
Quinlyn pointed at Joseph. “If you don’t believe me, ask him,” she said to Stanley.
Joseph squirmed in his seat, feeling like he’d just been caught red–handed. He knew he was the one who’d started this mess with his stupid idea.
After pulling over, they sat in silence for what felt like forever. Finally, Joseph confessed and told the whole story.
By the time Joseph finished, Stanley lunged at him, landing a few punches that left Joseph groaning.
Stanley’s face was twisted with anger. “I can’t believe you set me up!” he shouted, feeling completely betrayed.
Joseph winced, clutching his stomach, but stayed calm. “I didn’t want the cops to link the robber’s death to Quinlyn,” he explained. “I thought it’d be safer if she used a fake identity. I planned to take her to my place once the report came out.”
Stanley’s anger didn’t let up. “What report?” he demanded
Joseph straightened up, his brow furrowing as he realized something was off. The DNA test,” he said. “My dad told me yesterday he saw your dad pick it up. Didn’t your dad tell you the results?”
But Joseph already had an answer. If Stanley had seen the results, he wouldn’t be reacting like this.
“…” Stanley started, his anger fading away. “He didn’t mention a word about that,” he said, looking confused.
His dad had asked him to register Quinlyn’s birth certificate this morning, and it didn’t add up.
Quinlyn’s voice was soft, like she was reading his mind. “They want to make me their real daughter”
Joseph blinked, stunned. “What?” he asked, clearly confused. “Why?”
The Andersons weren’t a normal family–they were old–money, the kind who’d been wealthy for generations. Even their adopted daughter, Harriet, lived a life of privilege. There was no way they’d bring in a kid with no blood ties without a
serious reason.
Stanley’s eyes narrowed as he put the pieces together. “It’s about my grandpa’s inheritance,” he said, his voice tight with
frustration.
After hearing Stanley, Joseph recalled the Anderson family’s complex dynamics. It was a maze of power and secrets, with the older generation holding all the cards while the younger ones were still finding their footing
Maurice, the heir, wasn’t exactly a rising star. With the company struggling, he probably needed Edward’s clout to get his plans off the ground. But Joseph had no right to judge. Family business was their own affair, after all.
Stanley was a mess, slumped in his seat, his mood swinging like a wrecking ball Joseph glanced over, then focused E
the road.
After a few minutes, Stanley collected himself and turned to Quinlyn. “Why’d you tell me the truth?” he asked quietly.
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Chapter 16
Quinlyn looked genuinely puzzled by his reaction. “I just don’t want to be an Anderson,” she said simply.
Stanley’s chest tightened with discomfort as he understood his dad had only been extra nice since learning about Quinlyn’s money that morning.
He clenched his teeth and said. “Don’t worry, I’m not taking any of your money, and I won’t let anyone else either
Quinlyn nodded, holding his gaze. You’re different from them,” she said softly. “You’re a good person.”
Stanley felt a little taken aback, but her words gave him a boost. He started thinking out loud. “So, why not establish your own household?”
Joseph, who was driving, glanced back at them. “She’ll need her own place for that,” he said, keeping his tone gentle.
Stanley frowned, confused. “What do you mean? What place?”
Quinlyn got it right away. “Land, a house,” she said, like it was obvious.
Stanley scrunched up his face. “Wait, are we talking about buying a house now?” He had figured things would be simpler
than this.
Joseph chuckled and glanced into the rearview mirror. “I’ve got an acquaintance who knows the real estate game inside and out. If you’re down, I can set you up with him,” he said, giving Quinlyn a reassuring nod.
The idea of buying a house sent a jolt of excitement through Quinlyn, and she nodded quickly. “Sure.”
Joseph’s acquaintance, Claude James, wasn’t just some guy–he was a real estate heavyweight, the biggest name in the city.
When they pulled up to the sales office, Joseph made a quick call. But Claude was out of town
“Sorry, guys. Claude is away on business, but he’s sending someone over to show us around.” Joseph explained.
Quinlyn wasn’t in any hurry. She wandered over to the glass display case in the middle of the lobby and leaned in, her eyes wide with curiosity as she checked out the building models inside.
When Quinlyn was a kid, she lived in a shack that was barely standing, with burn marks all over the walls. People said someone had died there. Every day, Matthew would scrub the walls, telling her, “Once it’s all clean, this can be our home.
Quinlyn didn’t get it. To her, as long as there was a roof and it didn’t leak, it was good enough. “Can’t it be home if it’s just you and me?” she had asked, looking confused.
Matthew’s eyes were kind, but he shook his head. “A real home needs to be decent–clean, cozy, and warm. It’s somewhere others would want to live and be part of a family”
Quinlyn wanted to say she didn’t need anyone else, just him. But before he could finish cleaning the soot off the walls, he passed away.
For years, she lived in a tiny straw but on the outskirts of town, watching the world go by like a night owl, never really feeling like she had a home.
But now, gazing at these beautiful model homes, she thought. If I could buy one of these, Matthew would love it.
A woman suddenly barged past Quinlyn, nearly knocking her over. “Hey, whose kid is this? What are you doing here glared at Quinlyn, lifting her skirt deliberately. “Do you have any idea how expensive this dress is? You can’t afford to cu this mess
The sales assistant hurried over, apologizing non–stop. “I’m so sorry, ma’am. This is our mistake. Please don’t be upset.”
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Chapter 16
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