Chapter 18

Robert set down the newspaper he had been reading, ready to share his thoughts, when he noticed the nanny descending the staircase “Sir, Ma’am, I was tidying up Miss Lillian’s room and I found this, the nanny said, presenting a handwritten journal with Lillian’s familiar scrawl on it.

The entries spanned years, right up until Lillian turned eighteen and moved out.

Miranda hates spicy food. I must remember not to add chili next time.

Miranda had a few extra helpings of the dessert I made. Seems chestnut flavor is her favorite.

–

Bri got mad again. Not sure if it’s because I hired a tutor. I’ve tried saying no, but it was no use. I just want to study hard and make them proud.

Bri slapped me. I was stunned by her deep resentment. I want to move out but I’m not of age yet.

Robert has a sensitive stomach. I should make some soothing soup for him and keep antacids ready in his study.

– Cameron asked me what I wanted for a gift. I thought about it and asked for a watch Bri likes. But when I gave Bri the watch, she mocked me. Living with the Haywoods, I never wanted to compete for affection.

Miranda flipped through the pages, each one filled with care for her, Robert, and Cameron. And as for Brielle, Lillian always wanted to mend their relationship, despite the hurt she endured.

Miranda trembled with fury. She had never imagined her daughter could be so two-faced. “Can you believe what she’s done?! I thought she genuinely cared for Lillian, but it was all an act!”

The journal was old and hidden away, clearly not meant to be discovered. The sincerity in the journal’s words laid bare Brielle’s true, repulsive nature.

Miranda gritted her teeth. “Both girls came into our family together. I treated them the same. Lillian is such a sweetheart, and Bri… If only Lillian were our own.”

Robert’s expression soured. Every line and entry were filled with kindness and concern, without a trace of self-pity, only a wish for Brielle’s happiness. Had they known, they would have never let Lillian move out, but in the end, Brielle was the daughter of the Haywood family.

“Don’t be upset. Once Bri marries Spencer, we can bring Lillian back, or maybe buy her a villa nearby. I heard the poor child’s been working hard to repay us. Cameron tried to give her some financial help, even offered her a card, but she wouldn’t take a penny. Stubborn 16.05 girl.

Miranda nodded, utterly disappointed in her own daughter.

Brielle, of course, had no idea she’d already been saddled with such a dark reputation. Approaching the private dining room, her phone rang. It was a call from a charity. organization. Stepping aside to a quiet corner, she answered the call.

The moment she earned her first paycheck, she had donated most of her salary to this charity, directing the funds to the Sunflower Children’s Home, the place where she and Lillian grew up. Today was the day for her monthly donation, but she had forgotten amidst her busy schedule.

A middle-aged man’s voice came through. “Ms. Brielle, hello. We’ve sent this month’s funds to Sunflower Children’s Home. The organization recently held an event teaching the children how to make pies. As their largest benefactor, the director has been eager to meet you.”

“Thank you. I’ll send this month’s donation promptly. As for making pies, I’ll pass. very skilled, and I’d prefer the director not know it’s me donating.”

“Understood, Ms. Brielle. We won’t disturb you further.”

I’m not After hanging up, Brielle was about to turn down the corridor when she spotted Andrew smoking at the entrance of the dining room, a woman at his side. The dim hallway cast a shadow over the pair, standing too close for mere acquaintances.

The woman wore an outfit Brielle recognized as Aubree’s.

Aubree took the cigarette from Andrew’s lips and placed it between her own. A bold red lipstick mark soon stained the cigarette filter.

Frozen in place, Brielle remembered Aubree was the adopted daughter of the Clements family, and Andrew was their heir. There was no blood relation between them. Their current proximity was far from sibling-like.

As Brielle pondered this, Andrew grabbed Aubree’s wrist and pulled her into the nearby restroom.

The restroom door had barely shut before Aubree was pressed against the sink, her legs. instinctively wrapping around Andrew’s waist.