Chapter 4
64
Maurice paused for a heartbeat before answering. “It’s on the second floor, the room by the window”
Quinlyn gave a brisk nod, her sharp eyes cutting through the room without pause as she started up the stairs. Her swift, resolute movements left the gathered crowdd in stunned silence until she disappeared into the upper floor.
Tina surged to her feet, clutching Harriet to her chest, her breath coming in short, furious gasps. “How dare she behave like that? She’s just a child, yet so disrespectful. She has no manners whatsoever, and she instantly targets Harriet!”
This was the breaking point for Tina. Ever since losing her own child, she had been mired in a deep depression, only slowly finding solace through adopting Harriet. She poured her entire heart and soul into Harriet, considering her her most precious treasure.
Aware of Tina’s stubborn streak, Maurice tried to soothe her with gentle words. “Hailey is your kid too, and Dad has already welcomed her into the family. You should treat her kindly as well.”
Tina’s discontent was plain as she muttered darkly under her breath, “She doesn’t feel like my child at all”
Maurice was unsure himself. Observing the tense dynamics, he doubted that peaceful coexistence was a realistic goal. He sighed and instructed, “Regardless, if you don’t like her, just avoid her. Dad has asked her to stay at Anderson Manor, and 111 take her there as soon as possible.”
“What? Anderson Manor? How could she?” Tina was stunned and clutched Harriet even tighter, adding. “Harriet will go too Everyone knew that Edward possessed countless wonders, and staying at the manor would be an immense benefit.
Though Harriet was terrified of Edward and had no desire to go to Anderson Manor, the mere thought of the newcomer Quinlyn arriving first stirred a reluctant spark of anticipation within her.
“Alright, I’m not the one making the decisions here,” Maurice said, rubbing his temples with a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. “Just behave yourself for now, understood?”
Being reprimanded in front of the stylist made Tina feel humiliated, and tears welled up in her eyes. Her resentment towards Quinlyn grew even stronger.
The argument barely registered with Quinlyn. Having journeyed from the borderlands, the strange surroundings had kept her on edge, causing her to lie awake for countless nights.
Her ten–year–old body had reached its limit, and as she entered the room, she succumbed to a deep, exhausted sleep almost instantly.
When Quinlyn awoke the next morning, the early sunlight gently caressed the room through sheer curtains, illuminating a space adorned with pink decorations and an assortment of stuffed animals.
She picked up a Barbie doll from beside the bed, giving it a serious once–over before twisting off its head to peer curiously into the hollow interior.
It harbored no contraband. Smugglers from the borderlands frequently employed such toys, which was why she harbored
no affection for them.
Emerging from her slumber, she opened the door to be ensnared by the alluring scent of a sumptuous feast, her stomach growling in protest after a day’s fast.
Archer Foreman, the impeccable butler, ascended the stairs with a breath of relief upon catching sight of her. “Quinlyn, at last you awaken. Mr. Anderson has already embarked on his day’s endeavors. Mrs. Anderson, however, intends to accompany you and Hailey on a shopping spree for school essentials.”
1/3
Tue, 18
Chapter 4
Quinlyn’s mind wandered to the summer vacation that had seen so many children fall prey to kidnappers during rush hour, Unease gnawed at her about the city’s safety, prompting her decline. “No, thank you. I believe I’ll remain at home today,”
Archer, unprepared for her refusal, felt a flicker of embarrassment but extended the invitation for breakfast nonetheless. At the table. Tina and Harriet lingered over their meal, adhering to Maurice’s instructions and awaiting Quinlyn’s arrival.
“It’s growing late, and my friends are pestering me,” Harriet pouted, clutching her glass of milk with an air of impatience, “Mom, I don’t want to wait for her anymore.”
Tina, affectionately pinching her daughter’s check, replied, “Alright, dear, attend to your calls. We’ll depart shortly, and if she’s not ready, we’ll proceed without her.”
Harriet’s face lit up at these words, and she bounded from the table, hoping Quinlyn would slumber even longer. Tina glanced at the clock, her patience wearing thin.
Just then, footsteps echoed on the stairs. Tina looked up to see Quinlyn descending, her expression immediately souring “Sleeping in so late and making everyone wait? That’s incredibly inconsiderate.
“And what is that you’re wearing? Go back and change. No, never mind, we’re pressed for time. Just sit and eat. Harriet is eager to depart
Tina’s barrage of criticism left little doubt in her mind that Quinlyn could do nothing right. Yet, bound by Maurice’s instructions, she endured and added, “When you meet Harriet’s friends later, remember to be polite.
“They hail from elite families, unlike the backward places you’re accustomed to. Of course, you can purchase whatever you need here.
Quinlyn took her seat and sipped her milk, listening to Tina for a moment before responding calmly, “I’m not going. Don’t wait for me.
“What?” Tina was taken aback. At that moment, Harriet, having just concluded a call with her friend, approached looking upset. “Why didn’t you tell us earlier you weren’t going, making us wait so long?”
Quinlyn ate her sandwich with an indifferent expression, replying coolly, “You never asked if I was coming, did you?”
“I…” Harriet was speechless, frustratedly tugging at Tina’s arm. “Mom, we shouldn’t take her with us. Let’s not buy her any nice clothes or a backpack. She’ll be ridiculed when school starts”
Agreeing with Harriet, Tina tossed her napkin aside and left with Harriet without a word, leaving Quinlyn to enjoy her meal. in peace.
The gourmet cuisine prepared by the mansion’s cook was a world away from what she had tasted in the borderlands, and she didn’t have to constantly look over her shoulder.
It was one of those rare moments when she could slow down, savor each bite, and leisurely conclude her meal.
Just as she was about to depart from the table, footsteps echoed on the stairs. She glanced over and saw a disheveled boy of sixteen or seventeen descending, clutching something in his hand.
The boy yawned and cast her a disinterested glance, ignoring her completely. He took his seat at the table and ordered the housekeeper to prepare breakfast. “No sandwiches today. Fry me a steak, quickly. I’m starving.”
“Alright, Stanley, just a moment.” Archer replied with a smile, betraying no sign of dissatisfaction. He introduced the t “Stanley, this is Hailey. She arrived yesterday. Hailey, this is your brother, Stanley. Hailey prefers we call her Quinlyn”
Stanley ignored the introduction, muttering. “My parents argued a lot about this, didn’t they? Lost is lost. Why bring it back into the mess”
Archer glanced awkwardly at Quinlyn, clearly accustomed to the family’s lack of warmth but concerned for her reaction.
2/3
Chapter 4
Turning. Archer saw Quinlyn intently focused on what Stanley was holding–a laptop “Quinlyn, is something wrong” be inquired, bending down to ask her.
Quinlyn pointed at the illuminated screen and asked. “Where can I buy one of these?
“You mean a computer?” Archer hesitated, looking somewhat unsure. “Since you’re quite young, you probably haven’t used a computer before, so your room doesn’t have one set up for you yet”
Upon hearing this, Quinlyn immediately walked back to the table, pulled a plastic bag from her chair, and handed Archer a stack of cash. “I have money. Can I buy one?”
AD
Comment
