Chapter 1
Chapter 1
A sleek black BMW zipped into Ashley Manor, pulling up at the fanciest, castle–like mansion. The car doors swung open, and out stepped a girl and a guy.
The guy was Navier Larson. He had sharp looks and a sharp suit, the kind that fits just right. He had that rich–guy vibe, like he belonged to one of those families with money and clout.
The girl. Quiana Levine, was in a plain white hoodie and black cargo pants, with a backpack that had seen better days. Compared to Xavier. Quiana looked kind of rough around the edges. But her face was stunning.
As they were about to head inside, reporters who’d been hanging around jumped out of nowhere, swarming them like bees. Cameras flashed non–stop, and the reporters bombarded Quiana and Xavier with questions.
“Is it true the Larson family mixed up their baby at birth?”
“Mr. Larson, is this the real Levine heiress?”
“Are you the heiress from the Levine family? How do you feel about it?”
The Larson family, a big–shot family in Janivielle, were all over the news lately with rumors about their daughter not being their own. The girl they raised for twenty years wasn’t their blood, and their real daughter was some country girl.
This was huge news, and reporters had been camped out for days just to catch a glimpse of the so–called real heiress.
With questions flying around about the heiress’s identity, Xavier’s face got all dark, and he snapped, “No comment.” He told the bodyguards to clear the reporters and hurried toward the open door.
After a few steps, he noticed he was alone and turned back to see Quiana still hemmed in by reporters. A flicker of annoyance crossed his eyes. He barked, “What are you doing? Putting on a show?”
Quiana raised an eyebrow, let out a laugh, hands in her pockets, and strolled out of the reporter crowd, taking her time to catch up.
Not far off, in a sleek Cayenne, Nolan Hawley was peeking out the window, eyes wide and curious. “Uncle Julius, is that your real fiancée?” he asked.
The guy Nolan spoke to was Julius Hawley. He was sitting in the back seat, in his mid–twenties, with features that could make a statue jealous. His brown eyes were captivating.
A tiny tear mole at the corner of his left eye added to his charm.
Julius’s long legs were stretched out, lounging lazily but with an air of nobility. As beautiful as he was, there was a gloomy vibe around him, a touch of darkness.
Julius’s thin lips barely moved as he said, “I don’t have a fiancée. His voice was pleasant but as cold as a ghost, keeping everyone at bay.
Nolan blinked and whispered, “But she’s really pretty, way better than any Hollywood star!”
Julius leaned back, not interested at all, and instructed Leo Hilton, who was driving. “Let’s get going.”
Ashley Manor was a fancy villa community right in the middle of Janivielle, where every inch was worth a fortune. It was where rich families and celebs lived. The Larson residence was in the best spot, making it super pricey.
From the garden lawn to the crystal chandeliers, famous paintings, and fancy decor inside, every little thing showed off how
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Chapter 1
rich the Larson family was.
Xavier stood in the living room, looking at Quiana who’d followed him in, and said calmly, “The Larsons are always in the spotlight. If we run into reporters again, watch what you say.”
Quiana raised her eyebrows, grinning all innocent. “So, Xavier, my bro, what’s the do’s and don’ts?”
Navier paused, frowning. “Best to keep quiet. After a moment, he added, “Even if you’re back, I only see Winona as my
sister.”
Quiana let out a laugh, eyebrows raised, “So I should just leave?” Her tone was defiant. She was full of attitude, acting like she didn’t care about anything.
Before Xavier could say anything, a curious female voice called from upstairs, “Is that Quiana?”
Before Quiana could even look up, the woman rushed down and hugged her tightly, tears streaming. “My girl, it’s all my fault, making you go through so much. You’re finally home…”
