Chapter 6
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Ethan could not understand it. Before Harper’s real background was exposed, Ava’s affection for her had been one thing. But now, with no blood relation between them, she still treated Harper like her own daughter.
In the three years since Harper was sent away, Ava had cried herself sick- literally–falling into deep depression at her worst.
Mason downed his drink, the burn in his throat making his voice rougher.
“Noah is next door?”
“Is he ever. Probably got a bunch of people in there partying.”
“Go tell him.”
“What?”
Mason’s profile was swallowed in shadow, his expression unreadable as his fingertip traced the rim of his glass. Ethan frowned, not understanding. “If he comes downstairs, Harper will get all smug again.”
“He will not come down,” Mason said with certainty. But he would send
someone else.
What fun was there in simply watching someone stand in the rain?
The real show was still to come.
Ethan left, leaving Mason alone in the private room. He leaned by the window, flicked open the metal lighter, cupped the flame in his palm, and lit a cigarette. As he waited, he lowered his eyes again, and what he saw made him startle.
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Downstairs, Harper descended a step, cautiously extending her hand to gather some rainwater in her palm, then brought it to her lips, sipping it in small gulps.
It reminded Mason of a white but dirty stray cat by the roadside, licking up dirty water.
But he wouldn’t lend a hand.
After all, beneath Harper’s soft fur were sharp fangs and claws, which could easily scratch you. Having learned from past experiences, Mason wouldn’t easily soften his heart. But the shock in his heart was still hard to suppress.
After swallowing the rainwater, the door behind her opened
automatically. It wasn’t Ethan who came out, nor was it Noah, the handsome man Ava had spoken of
The woman who led the way was recognizable to Harper, she had offended her in the past.
To say she had offended her wasn’t quite accurate. It was just that she had won a violin competition against her. The woman had cried backstage, and Harper, unable to bear it, had publicly reprimanded her, “Do you think this is kindergarten? You cry because you didn’t get first place and expect others to comfort you with candy?”
The tables have turned, and now it was her turn.
The woman walked up to her, her eyes flickering with a hint of contempt. She folded her arms and looked her up and down, “Look who it is.”
The three women surrounded Harper, their gazes scrutinizing and
probing, all filled with astonishment. These were familiar faces, but three years had changed them.
Back then, when she was driven away, the Walker family had given her
Chapter &
father money to take good care of her.
They had assumed that Harper had been living well these years, but they didn’t expect her to end up like this.
“Isn’t this Ms. Walker?” The woman’s voice was shrill as she mocked in a slow tone, then changed her tune, “Tut–tut–tut, I forgot. The one in front. of us is just an impostor.”
After a burst of laughter, another person spoke.
“So, you’re here to find Brother Noah. Knowing you can’t attract Mason with your appearance, you’re settling for less?”
“Sophia, what are you talking about? With her looks, even hooking up with Noah would be overreaching.”
“You just reminded me. She’s shameless. When Mason didn’t want her, she had someone kidnap Olivia, leading to her death.” Sophia glared at Harper as if she wanted to gouge her out, while loudly proclaiming, “How dare you still live?”
Harper’s lips trembled, and a flicker of fear crossed her dim eyes. Years ago, Mason had also grabbed her by the neck and asked the same question.
She cried, saying it wasn’t her and that she was also a victim.
Mason didn’t believe her.
No one did.
In court, the kidnapper accused her, her parents doubted her, and the lawyer presented irrefutable evidence. She was left speechless, then as
now.
“Why aren’t you talking? Are you mute?”
