Chapter 4
Quiana’s face didn’t give anything away. “Who?” she asked.
Mandy hesitated for a moment. “Even though you grew up in the slum, you must have heard of the Hawley family, the powerhouse in Janivielle
The Hawley family in Janivielle ran the biggest business empire in Holyde, holding a lot of the country’s money strings. In Holyde, they were the peak of power and prestige. Just the name Hawley made people quake in their boots.
The patriarch of the Hawley family was Edward Hawley. His youngest son was Julius Hawley, and since Julius was a late–in- life baby, he was extra special to Edward.
Mandy grinned. Julius is Janivielle’s top dog. Marry him, and you’ll have more money and fancy stuff than you can imagine.”
Quiana raised an eyebrow. “If it’s so great, why doesn’t Winona marry him!”
Winona, at the dining table, clenched her spoon so tight her knuckles went white.
Simon’s voice was deep. This marriage was set up by your grandpa and Mr. Hawley when they were both still around. It’s an old promise.
Quiana snackered, twirling her fork like a pro. “But it is Winona who has lived the high life at the Larson residence for twenty years, enjoying all the goodies”
Mandy and Simon looked a bit awkward, their faces going a little sour.
Even though the Larson family was well–off in Janivielle, they couldn’t touch the Hawley family. If Quiana’s grandfather hadn’t saved Edward on the battlefield, this chance would never have come their way.
Mandy and Simon did once want Winona to be Mrs. Hawley. But Julius was born sickly, always needing meds. A few years back, he got in a car crash that left him wheelchair–bound.
Words had that Julius’s health hadn’t improved; it had gotten worse. His moods were all over the place, and he was known for being mean. Besides being disabled, he was counting down his days.
Mandy and Simon wouldn’t let Winona marry someone like him no matter how rich he was.
However, the marriage was set by the elders and couldn’t be called off. After thinking it over, Mandy and Simon came up with Quiana.
They knew for years Winona wasn’t their real daughter, but they kept quiet. They put aside their feelings and brought Quiana back to take Winona’s place in the marriage.
Seeing Quiana like this, Mandy looked a bit sad. “I know you might hate me, but I’m not forcing you. Still, they need a Larson..
Mandy stressed the word “Larson.”
Quiana fixed her eyes on Mandy, like she could see right through her. She opened her lips, her voice steady and cool. “So, you brought me back just to take Winona’s place in the marriage?
Simon and Mandy’s faces froze as their true plan came out.
Mandy forced a smile, trying to sound soft. “You grew up rough and never got much schooling, not even finishing middle school. At your age, it’s too late to go back.
14:36 Sun, 23 Feb DOM.
Chapter 4
“Sure, Julius isn’t well, but marrying him means you’ll live the high life. We are doing this for your own good.”
Quiana’s eyes lowered, hiding all the feelings there, as she said calmly, “Let’s talk about it later.” With that, she dropped her fork and went upstairs.
Winona bit her lip, close to tears. “Mom, Dad, will Quiana hate me?”
“We brought her back for you. Don’t worry; we won’t let you marry Julius, Mandy reassured her, pouring a bowl of soup. “Aren’t you going to an audition tomorrow? Crying will puff up your eyes, and that’s not good for the camera.”
Winona took the bowl, smiling through her tears. “Thanks, Mom. I always knew you loved me the most.”
Mandy chuckled and looked at Simon, frowning a bit. “Tell Xavier later, even if he doesn’t like her, he needs to keep it together. If she runs off, Winona is over?”
Simon nodded. “I know.”
Winona’s face showed pure glee. She thought, ‘So what if she’s the real heiress? So what if they’re family by blood? She still
can’t beat me!
She is nothing but a wild girl from the wrong side of the tracks and she thinks she can compete with me? Keep dreaming!
Their voices weren’t low, and Quiana heard them clearly as she reached the second floor. She paused, her fingers tightening. She stood silent for a moment, then suddenly relaxed, let out a cold laugh, and continued upstairs quietly.
Chapter 5
