hapter 3 

Chapter 3 

In the opulent pavilion, tables and chairs crafted from the finest wood stood in silent elegance, each piece whispering tales of luxury and heritage.. 

Should Quinlyn embrace her new identity, all of this could potentially be hers in due course. Yet, her gaze remained unclouded by greed, a testament to her inner clarity. 

Edward’s silence stretched on after her revealing words, until at last he sighed deeply. “You are a child of extraordinary. character,” he remarked. 

Quinlyn’s lips tightened into a knowing line. She was all too aware of her dark history, the stains on her soul that marked her far from innocent. 

“So… Edward’s gaze pierced through her, searching for truths untold. “Have you crossed paths with that child?” His granddaughter remained missing among the returned borderland children, the omission impossible to overlook 

With no inclination towards deceit, Quinlyn reached into her pocket, extracting a piece of candy. “It promises to be sweet; would you care for some?” she asked. 

Edward’s comprehension was swift, his aged lips quivering as moisture welled in his eyes. Trembling hands unwrapped the candy, popping it into his mouth, tears streaming down his weathered checks. 

With another trembling hand, he unwrapped another piece for Quinlyn, patting her head gently. “It’s delightful; you must Try it too,” he croaked. 

Edward’s hands, broad and reassuring, evoked memories of Matthew Sheppard, the man who had nurtured Quinlyn in her cherished past. 

But Matthew had been torn from her life at the tender age of five by a brutal band of marauders. The uncanny resemblance between Edward and Matthew was haunting. 

As the candy melted in her mouth, Quinlyn savored its sweetness, a small, contented smile playing on her lips. 

Once the candy was gone, Edward had regained his composure. Learning of Quinlyn’s orphan status, he extended a warm invitation. “Since you have no other refuge, would you honor me by staying with me? 

“I may not have many days left, but until you find a new home, your companionship would be a blessing.” 

Quinlyn glanced at his wheelchair and snow–white mane, eventually nodding in agreement. She could afford to wait until Edward’s passing before striking out on her own once more. 

Edward led Quinlyn back to the living room. his announcement that she would henceforth reside at Anderson Manor sending shockwaves through the gathered crowd. 

Maurice, who had introduced Harriet to Edward only to be ignored, was equally stunned by this sudden, profound bond with Quinlyn, a stranger until now. 

Others felt a cocktail of envy, jealousy, and resentment, yet they could not deny that Quinlyn had won Edward’s favor in a way none other had. 

Before her official move–in, however, Quinlyn would temporarily dwell at the Anderson residence with Maurice and h family. 

Maurice donned the mask of a doting father. “Hailey has been gone for so long. Her mother and I have never had the chance to give her the warmth of a family. It’s time for her to reunite with her siblings,” he declared. 

Edward watched with growing awareness as Maurice subtly courted Quinlyn, possibly with designs on altering the family records. Secing Quinlyn’s apparent indifference, Edward chose to remain silent. 

1/3 

Chapter 3 

But he couldnt outer appearedator main got indente the treate 

But he couldn’t help bus offer a porcave ruiting as indeed a positive step, fare let’s one toeges aber finding the perfect school for Haley. She deserves to less than what your tenter daughter meios, don’t you think? 

“And please, try to avoid pursuing clothing that domust fit her properly 

A hint of embarrassment fuckered across Maurices face. Tunderstand, tad Next time, bring Harriet along for a ve With that be quickly ushered Quinly out of the house 

Once they were settled in the car. Maurice couldn’t help but notice how Quinlyn’s clothes hung lonely on her trance, a song of quilt growing at him. 

He reached out to put her head saying, “I wasn’t very thoughtful. Later, the stylist will bring you beautiful dresses. Alors, grou have an older brother and a younger sister, so try to make the best of it with them” 

But before he could finish, Quinlyn sidestepped his much, making the atmosphere tense 

Regardless of the DNA test results, Edward’s acknowledgment of Quinlyn meant Maurice had no choice but to embrace her as the true heiress of the Anderson family. 

Before they even reached home, the stylist was waiting with the latest fashion trends of the season. 

Sensitive Harrier burst into tears, breaking Tina’s heart. “Don’t cry, sweetheart. You’ll always be Mom’s favorite, and no o can replace you” Tina soothed, wrapping her arms around Harriet. 

Harriet, with tear–streaked cheeks, buried her face in Tina’s embrace, feeling a mix of fear and jealousy. “Mom you’re not going to leave me, are you?” 

“Silly girl, why would I ever leave you? Tina reassured her, her voice gentle. “It’s just some clothes; you can pick first 

At that moment, Maurice entered the house with Quinlyn. The two groups exchanged awkward glances, except for Quinlyn 

Tina glanced around and noticed Quinlyn staring at her with wide, inquisitive eyes. Tina’s brow furrowed slightly, repelled by Quinlyn’s worn appearance and humility. Unable to warm to her, Tina quickly looked away. “You’re back the said coolly 

Maurice, noticing Tina’s demeanor, was somewhat displeased but still nudged Quinlyn forward. This is your mom, and she’ll take care of you from now on,” he said, trying to smooth over Tina’s earlier words. 

Tina sat there, her posture impeccable, yet she received no greeting despite her anticipation. She glanced at Quinlyn, who was still looking at her with those bright eyes. Tina’s frown deepened. “What kind of look is that?” 

Quinlyn blinked slowly before turning to Maurice. “Is she a stepmom?” 

The stylist, sorting through the clothes, almost laughed but caught herself in time. 

Tina’s face flushed as the leaped to her feet, anger flashing in her eyes. “What are you saying, child? How could I be your stepmom? 

Quinlyn remained calm, continuing to gaze at Tina with those innocent eyes. “Isn’t that the case? If I were your real child and you had lost me wouldn’t you treat me kindly after all these years? Why favor an adopted daughter over me? You don’t seem very happy to see me.” 

Her voice was clear, filled with innocent confusion, devoid of any malice. Yet, her honesty left everyone speechless 

“T–L.” Tina stumbled over her words, like a child caught in a lie, unsure how to respond. 

Harriet clung to Tina’s leg glaring at Quinlyn. “Don’t talk about my mom‘ She’s mine, you meanie?” She reached out to push Quinlyn 

Quinlyn remained steady. However, Harriet still stumbled and fell to the ground. 

2/3 

“Harriet!” Tina scooped her up quickly, her eyes blazing with anger as she turned to scold Quinlyn. But when she looked into Qualyn’s eyes, she felt a pang of guilt. 

Quinlyn turned to Maurice. Is her name just like mine?” 

Maurice hesitated, stammering, “It just sounds alike” 

Quinlyn nodded, acknowledging his confusion, and stated firmly, “From this moment on, I will no longer go by Hailey. I shall be Quinlyn I dislike sharing a name with anyone else” 

She believed that the late Hailey would have felt the same way, as children were often possessive, particularly about names bestowed by their parents. 

Maurice opened his mouth to protest but hesitated, fearing Quinlyn might inform Edward. So, he reluctantly shut his mouth and offered a forced smile. “Shall we select some clothes then? Find something you like?” 

Quinlyn surveyed the clothing options with indifference. Any wearable item would suffice. She picked out an outfit that fit and asked, “Where is my room? 

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