Chapter 55
Chapter 55
Early the next morning, Stanley called and urged Joseph to hurry, saying they had arrived.
Elowyn and Zaid also got up early, but they didn’t head to the company right away because they were going to visit Quinlyn’s house later.
The breakfast was filled with delicious options “You’re up so early. You must be starving Eat more.” Elowyn said at the deliberately took a seat next to Quinlyn, her gaze fixed on Quinlyn with a big smile on her face.
Joseph watched with a hint of annoyance and reminded her, “Mom, don’t be so dramatic Quinlyn can take care of herself just fine
“No matter how capable she is, she’s still a young lady,” Elowyn shot back without looking at him.
She added, “When I was pregnant, I wanted a daughter; I never thought I’d have a son. And here you are–always and grown–up: you won’t even let me dress you up.”
Listening to his mother’s complaints, Joseph sighed and corrected her, “I was ten when I started wanting less affection; that’s a normal age. And I don’t want little skirts with bows.”
“You’ve been unlovable since you were a kid, Elowyn snapped back, giving him a glare before turning her full attention back to Quinlyn, her affection overflowing. “Finally, I have a daughter. Now I can put my skills to good use.”
Quinlyn felt that the way Elowyn looked at her reminded her of Stanley’s eager gaze when he came to her after losing a game–intensely earnest but somehow sweet.
As the meal wrapped up, Quinlyn felt pleasantly full and decided to take a stroll around the courtyard. Noticing the weather, Zaid suggested, “Why don’t we grab a cab?”
“Let me grab an umbrella for my daughter, Elowyn said, heading inside the house. Moments later, she came back with an adorable children’s umbrella for Quinlyn.
Quinlyn almost said no, but when she saw the cute kitten design on the open umbrella, she couldn’t resist accepting it.
Elowyn had everything ready, and finally, they set off together. Whenever they ran into neighbors, Elowyn happily introduced Quinlyn. “This is my daughter; isn’t she just precious? We should buy her more lovely outfits.”
What was meant to be a short walk turned into a leisurely half–hour stroll.
For the first time, Quinlyn felt the cozy warmth of a close–knit neighborhood. People greeted her with playful pinches on her cheeks, showered her with compliments about her cuteness, and filled her pockets with sweets.
By the time they finally caught a cab. Quinlyn felt that the food she had just eaten had already been digested.
“If you ever get lost, don’t hesitate to ask the neighbors for help: there’s no need to feel shy.” Elowyn advised.
Quinlyn could hardly picture herself getting lost in such a friendly community, let alone in the woods. It felt like Elowyn viewed her as if she were just a little three–year–old.
But, there was nothing annoying about it; it felt like warm, sweet candy flowing into her heart
The cab headed for Quinlyn’s house. When they arrived, Mandy was waiting by the flowerbed. “Quinlyn. I’m right here.” Mandy beamed with joy and was about to run over, only to be stopped by Claude behind her, who gently reminded her. “You still have bandages on your face.”
Quinlyn got out of the car first, walked toward her, glanced at the injuries on her face, and asked Claude,
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Chapter 55
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think her injuries will leave scars?”
Having lived in rich families for the past few days, Quinlyn understood that every bit of a lady’s skin was valuable, especially
on her face.
“She just needs to avoid certain foods, Claude said with a smile, smoothly changing the subject before guiding the Wilson family inside. “I’ve had the house decorated already; with so many people here, it’ll be lively?
Quinlyn was already surprised to see Claude, but when she walked in, she was equally shocked to find Larry there, along with several unfamiliar faces from Edward’s side.
What initially seemed to be a quiet house suddenly buzzed with energy, filled with lively chatter
“Grandpa, this is Quinlyn. She saved me on the mountain road last time, Larry exclaimed as he rushed over, lifting Quinlyn. and carrying her toward an elderly gentleman.
Stanley hurried after them, looking annoyed. “Don’t you know it’s not okay to get too close to Quinlyn?”
“What’s
“s wrong with that? We hugged during the last dance, Larry cheekily replied, glancing back at him.
The very mention of the dance was a sore spot for Stanley, who was already irritated, and he rolled up his sleeves, ready to confront Larry
At that moment, Quinlyn managed to break free, standing in front of the elder and noticing his elegant dark red suit and his kind expression that seemed welcoming.
“Come here, little one,” Antonio called her over.
Quinlyn stepped forward, but just as she reached him, his hand suddenly grabbed her shoulder. Antonio’s grip was strong and firm, showing no sign of his age: the pressure he applied hinted at a real threat.
Quinlyn’s reaction was quick; she leaned forward, escaping his hold, and skillfully dodged around his arm. But before she could fully get away, Antonio’s hand transformed into a fierce claw, reaching for her face.
The Wilson family members who entered moments later gasped in shock, and even Stanley and Larry paused their squabbling, surprised.
The Hill family had ties to martial arts. Antonio was known for his fierce claw. A famous director had even been inspired by him for a movie. Seeing him use that technique against Quinlyn left everyone in disbelief.
As the sharp claw strike came toward her. Quinlyn instinctively leaned back and performed a graceful somersault, her foot landing squarely on Antonio’s wrist, dodging his attack.
She landed quietly, glaring at him with dark and piercing eyes, like a hunter facing a rival in the wild
Antonio’s hand froze mid–air as he felt a slight pain in his wrist; realizing she had struck a sensitive point, he exclaimed, “Who taught you those moves? Don’t lie to me; Curtis can’t teach you that.”
Curtis, who looked like he was deeply focused on a game of chess but was actually watching closely, let out a soft laugh and said. “She has real–life fighting experience.”
Antonio was momentarily stunned; upon looking again at Quinlyn, he noticed her hand resting in her pocket.
“Since you have a weapon, why didn’t you use it just now?” he asked, narrowing his eyes, curious about Quinlyn’s skills.
Quinlyn pulled out the fork she had taken from the dining table after finishing her meal, a habit of hers, but she had no intention of using it today. “I don’t need this fork because I know you wouldn’t hurt me.”
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