Chapter 18 Long Time No See
A shy smile appeared on Tiffany’s face. “Why do you keep bringing him up?”
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“You’re about to graduate. That means an engagement’s coming next. Who else would I bring up?” Ivan said. “I heard he’s been taking good care of Lisa?”
At the mention of Lisa, a flicker of gloom passed through Tiffany’s eyes.
But she quickly covered it up and said, “Neil just feels sorry for Lisa. It’s only natural for him to look out for her.”
Ivan.replied, “He’s a good guy, but you never know what others might be thinking. You should keep an eye on things.
“I got it, Ivan,” Tiffany said. “Thanks.”
“Oh, right, Ivan,” she added, tilting her head as something came to mind. “You still haven’t found that person, have you?”
At the mention of it, Ivan let out a sigh and shook his head. “No.”
They were talking about something that had happened five years ago, when Ivan went into the mountains with his professor to collect samples for research. He’d accidentally ended up trapped in an abandoned cabin. That place was so remote, that hardly anyone set foot there in decades. Even if you screamed your lungs out, the only thing that would hear you were the wild animals.
He was confined in the dark for almost three days, with only a sliver of light from under the door marking the passing of day and night. When he was on the brink of death, someone opened the door and saved him.
But later, when Ivan questioned every villager in the nearby area, his rescuer was not among them.
“My mind was foggy back then,” Ivan said, frowning. “I just remember it was nighttime when he found me. I heard wolves. howling. He was probably terrified too–he kept trembling–but he still carried me on his back…”
The person was small and thin, clearly malnourished, and could barely carry him–more like dragging him the whole way
OUL
“Don’t worry too much, Ivan Tiffany said gently, offering a bit of comfort. “If he’s still somewhere in this world, there’s always a chance you’ll find him”
“I’m just scared that he might already be gone,” Ivan murmured.
“There are wolves in those mountains, and people have been attacked before. If he ended up losing his life to save me. I don’t think I could ever live with that.”
“He’ll be okay,” Tiffany said. “Isn’t there a saying–Fortune favors the kind? I believe the universe will protect someone as good–hearted as him.”
Thope you’re right, Ivan said softly. “If he’s still alive, I’ll do everything I can to repay him.”
This wasn’t the first time Lisa had been locked in the artic
Whenever she made a big mistake and they couldn’t leave visible wounds on her, she would be locked up here–for several days at a time, with no food or water, only released when she was barely alive.
The attic was pitch black. Lisa squatted in the corner. She heard the footsteps outside fade away, then she stood up and moved a pile of debris away- this was what she discovered during her second time being locked in here. Hidden behind was a small window.
Lisa was very thin, climbing out through this window wouldn’t be a problem. But the attic was on the fifth floor slipping while climbing down from that height would leave her body shattered into pieces. It was dangerous.
But Lisa had grown up running wild in the mountains–more agile than the pampered heiresses like Tiffany. She slipped through the window with ease, using the windowsill for support and gripping the wall’s rough edges as she made her way
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Chapter 18 Long Time No See
down. In one smooth motion, she escaped and landed softly on the grass in the back garden.
She had to be at that party tonight
If she remembered correctly, today was the day Tiffany and Neil were announcing their engagement.
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The engagement with the Jarretts had been arranged by Bernard the moment Lisa was born. But after she went missing. Tiffany grew closer and closer to Neil. Over time, most people forgot the engagement was never meant for Tiffany and even forgot who the real daughter of the Olsens was.
Lisa had long stopped hoping that anyone would truly love her. But one thing was certain–she would never let Tiffany and Neil end up together smoothly.
Tiffany looked at herself in the mirror and asked softly, “Mom, do I look good?*
“You look beautiful Maggie said with a smile as she put on a pair of pearl earrings on her. “My Tiffany is the most stunning jgirl in the world. Don’t worry, once Neil sees you, he won’t be able to take his eyes off you
Tiffany blushed. “Mom, you’re teasing me”
Even though she said it, she couldn’t help but feel confident–confident enough to believe she’d outshine everyone tonight.
Her birth mother had once been a superstar in the entertainment industry, and Tiffany had inherited her looks. Dressed in an elegant gown and adorned with fine jewelry, she looked even more graceful and charming,
“Ahem.” Xavier cleared his throat at the doorway. “Excuse me, lovely ladies, may I escort you downstairs? Everyone’s waiting.”
“Coming, Tiffany said as she stood and looped her arm through his. “Xavier? What are you doing here? I thought Mario was supposed to walk me down.”
We’ve p got a last–minute VIP guest, Xavier said. “No idea who they are, but it’s a big deal. Dad and Mario went to greet them personally, Julius is downstairs handling the guests, and Nathan is busy with his own friends. Naturally, that leaves me–the only one with nothing to do–to come get you. What? Are you disappointed?”
“Of course not. Tiffany said with a teasing smile. “I like you just as much. Xavier
“Okay, okay, I know you two are close.” Maggie said with a smile. “Hurry up, and go down.”
As the star of the evening made her entrance, nearly every guest turned to look toward the staircase.
With her hand resting lightly on Xavier’s arm, Tiffany descended the steps like a proud and gentle princess.
Guests couldn’t help but whisper in admiration, “Ms. Tiffany is getting more stunning by the day!”
“I heard she’s a straight–A student and a fantastic dancer. If she didn’t already have a fiancé, I’d be trying to match her with my useless son!”
“The Olsens treat her so well. I bet they’re not ready to let her go.”
“Even if they’re reluctant, they can’t interfere with her future. From what I’ve heard, she and the Jarrett boy have always been pretty close.”
“She’s stunning, that’s for sure. But don’t you think she doesn’t look much like Mrs. Olsen or Mr. Olsen?”
You don’t know? Tiffany’s not actually their biological daughter”
“Really Spill the details!”
Tiffany’s expression didn’t change as she overheard the whispers, but she quietly took note of everyone who dared to gossip about her background
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Chapter 18 Long Time No See
A handsome, tall man in a white suit with gentle eyes stood by the stairs, attracting many girls
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Neil Jarrett–Arglonas‘ golden boy, the one everyone else’s parents praised and countless debutantes dreamed about.
And with the Jarretts now at the height of their influence, you could imagine how sought–after he had become
“Neil, Tiffany called sweetly.
“Tiffany,” Neil said with a warm smile. “You look stunning tonight.”
“Thank you, Neil
Xavier chuckled. “Alright, alright, guess a girl’s heart can’t be kept at home forever. Go find your Neil.
Neil laughed softly and reached out to take Tiffany’s hand when a voice suddenly cut through the air. “Neil, long time no see.
Everyone’s gaze shifted toward the source of the voice. There, a girl leaning against the corner of the stairs, looking at Neil with her sparkling eyes.
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