The Phantom Heiress Rising From The Shadows

Chapter 16 Chapter 16 False Accusation Rosie wanted their grandmother, Tessa Harper, to see Brenna as nothing but trouble-a reckless, inconsiderate woman who didn't belong in the family. If she could paint Brenna in a bad light from the start, it would be much easier to do away with her.

She pouted, putting on a wounded expression. “Grandma, you have to do something about her." To make her case stronger, she stretched out her foot, making sure the thick bandage around her ankle was seen.

Tessa had always been fond of Rosie, her affection deepened by sympathy. Having lost her parents at a young age and been raised by her second uncle and aunt, Rosie had always received a lot more indulgence from Tessa. "You should go change. It's important to stay presentable," Tessa said.

Despite her affection, Tessa was not blind to manipulation. She had lived long enough in this world to know Rosie wasn't just complaining-she was stirring up trouble for Brenna.

Brenna watched their exchange without a hint of emotion, making no effort to insert herself. She wasn't interested in currying favor. If this family didn't want her, she would just leave and live on her own.

From the other side of the car, Luther Harper stepped out. Dressed in a sharp suit, he carried himself with quiet authority. His hair had turned completely gray, and his back was bent with age. But his eyes softened when they landed on Brenna.

He walked slowly toward her, tears gathering in his eyes as he gently grasped her arms.

Brenna met his gaze, her tone polite as she said, "Nice to meet you, Grandpa." Luther nodded quickly, his voice warm with affection. "Good girl, you've been through so much. But don't worry; you are hnow. Oh, look at you, so thin! We need to make sure you're eating properly from now on." Rosie quickly noticed Luther talking to Brenna. She turned to Luther with an exaggerated pout, pointing at her ankle. “Grandpa, I went to pick Brenna up because I wanted to do something nice for her, but she got mad that I was late and pushed me. That's how I sprained my ankle." She didn't even try to be subtle. Instead, she cast a smug glance at Brenna, waiting for her reaction. She had spent years crafting her image-the sweet, caring, well-mannered girl everyone adored. She was kind to the staff, respectful to the elders, and never stirred up trouble.

Rosie had no doubt that everyone would take her side, never questioning whether she was fals Brenna Csing She glared at Brenna, daring her to protest, fully convinced that Brenna's attempt to defend herself would fall 00% 20:02 0< < Chapter 16 False Accusation on deaf ears.

"Let's see you try to take what's mine. You don't stand a chance!" Rosie gloated inwardly.

Brenna felt she was burning with anger, but she forced herself to stay calm, she needed to see how Luther and Tessa would react. If they sided with Rosie without hesitation, she would have no reason to stay in this family. Tessa caught the restraint in Brenna's eyes and frowned slightly. Something about Rosie's behavior seemed unusual today-almost deliberately provocative.

"Look at you, all dirty," she said to Rosie. "Shouldn't you go change now?" Rosie wasn't ready to let the matter go. She folded her arms across her chest, her voice rising "Grandma, she bullied me, and you're just dismissing the matter?" Tessa turned to Brenna, taking her hand in a rare gesture of warmth. "Don't mind her. She's not usually like this-l don't know what's gotten into her today. Con, lethave a good look at you. Oh, you do have your mother's features," she said.

Just then, two more cars pulled into the driveway. The door of the first swung open before a gorgeous woman rushed out, running straight for Brenna. Tears streamed down her face as she wrapped her arms around Brenna, holding her tightly. "My daughter... I've been searching for you for twenty years. You're finally home. I owe you so much..." Brenna froze. She had spent years calling Ruby "Mom", only to be met with coldness and neglect. She had learned not to expect warmth.

Now, Giselle was holding her like she was something precious, but the embrace felt unfamiliar. Brenna stood stiffly, her arms hanging awkwardly by her sides. She was unsure of what to do. The word "Mom" stuck in her throat.

A refined-looking man stepped out of the second car, his eyes locked onto Brenna. Shepard Harper believed he didn't need a DNA test to confirm Brenna's identity. She was the spitting image of his wife.

With a gentle smile, he reached for Giselle's shoulders and pulled her back slightly from Brenna. "You're overwhelming her," he said.

Giselle blinked through her tears and gave an awkward laugh. “I can't help it,” she admitted. "For twenty years, I've thought about my daughter every single day. Wondering where she was, if she was safe, if she was eating well... And then I found out she didn't even finish grade school? It felt like a knife to my heart. How could the Barretts do this to her?"

Shepard turned to Brenna, looking at her. He wanted her to call him Dad and call Giselle Mom. But she m .e. remained silent. His heart sank a little, though he understood her. How could she be expected to call two strangers her parents?

Rosie also picked up on Brenna's hesitation immediately. She nudged Brenna with her elbow her voice thick with disapproval. "Mom and Dad are standing right in front of you, and you don't even greet them? T's so rude!"

Then, slipping smoothly into place between Shepard and Giselle, she hooked her arms around them both. "Dad, Mom, I was the one who brought Brenna home, but she was so mad aboutbeing late that she pushed me, and now I have this sprained ankle. And when I offered her ice cream, she threw it atand ruined my dress. 20:02 < Chapter 16 False Accusation But it's fine-1 won't hold it against her." She wasn't even pretending to be nice anymore, even looking at Brenna provocatively In fact, she was lying outright against Brenna in front of the entire family, just to see whom everyone would believe.

Brenna just shot Rosie a sharp glance and remained silent.

Giselle gazed at Brenna expectantly. After a long pause, Brenna finally said, "Nice to meet you all, I'm Brenna." Win a chance to read for free!>>> GO NOW