The Phantom Heiress Rising From The Shadows

Chapter 281 I Really Don't Understand What Mr....

Brenna turned to see a meticulously dressed little girl enter, resembling a life-sized Barbie doll.

"Brenna!" Suddenly, Brenna's leg was embraced, and looking down, she saw Patrick had somehow run over, his expression a pout of unhappiness.

Brenna gently took his hand. "What's wrong?" "Daddy got called away and leftall alone. I don't like it here." Patrick's eyes flashed with hurt as he glared at Tina. "She just calleda bastard!" Brenna's expression turned cold. Just as she had feared, the notorious infighting within the Russell family had already ensnared an innocent child. Even siblings in the family seemed to take pleasure in tearing each other down She crouched down to Patrick's level. "Stay with me. I'll make sure she regrets calling you that." "Okay!" Patrick's eyes brightened with a hint of vengeful anticipation as he nodded eagerly.

At noon, Amy Russell, the matriarch of the Russell family, made her entrance. She was silver-haired yet surprisingly spry. Her rosy cheeks and lively stride belied her age. She looked to be in a good mood.

"You must be the Harper girl who has recently returned," Amy said to Brenna.

"Yes, that's me. Happy birthday, Mrs. Russell," Brenna said respectfully.

0 Amy's gaze lingered pointedly on Brenna's arm linked with Ethan's. "You are quite the beauty. Have you been engaged to Ethan?" Brenna answered, "No, but we are dating." Amy's lips pursed slightly. "I always thought Rosie would becEthan's wife. All of this is rather unexpected. It is clear Shepard favors his daughter over his niece." Brenna's polite smile vanished. Beneath Amy's kind exterior lurked a sharp tongue; these carefully chosen words were intended to make her uncomfortable.

Rosie, Isabella, and Jade stood nearby, exchanging amused glances as they watched Brenna's reaction. Would she dare to confront the elder of the Russell family? "Mrs. Russell," Rosie said sweetly, slipping her arm through Amy's with practiced ease, "you have always been so kind to me." Amy shot Brenna a disapproving look while patting Rosie's hand tenderly. "The Harpers display such poor manners-not a single family member cto celebrate my eightieth birthday. But you chere to celebrate 0.0% 16:31 O Q +4 X+ Chapter 281 I Really Don't Understand What Mr. Mitchell Sees In Her my birthday with me. Remember, if the Harper family ever mistreats you, I will stand up Rosie beamed. "Thank you, Mrs. Russell." for you." Brenna almost laughed. The audacity of this meddling old woman. Her own family was a hotbed of conflict, yet here she was, trying to meddle in the Harper family's affairs.

Her attempt to create animosity between her and Rosie was evident. Brenna believed she was clearly not a good person.

But given Amy's obvious favoritism, Brenna wondered if she envisioned Rosie marrying someone from the Russell family.

Rosie gave Brenna a challenging look, clearly anticipating an outburst that would incur Amy's wrath.

Just as Brenna opened her mouth to respond, Ethan gave her hand a soft squeeze.

He then spoke with a calm that betrayed no surprise at Amy's words. He was well aware that refined manners were a rare commodity within the Russell family. "Mrs. Russell, Rosie has always been treated well in the Harper family. Luther cherishes her, Shepard has raised her like she were his own daughter, and I have always regarded her as a sister." His steady gaze fixed on Rosie. "Wouldn't you agree, Rosie?" Rosie's breath hitched in her throat. Ethan was talking to her in a very gentle tone.

He had never talked to her with such tenderness before.

"Ethan is right," Rosie said, her eyes lowered. "I have always been treated with nothing but kindness in the Harper family."

Amy, having spent decades navigating the treacherous currents of high society, immediately om recognized Ethan's protective stance of Brenna. Though inwardly irritated, she was astute enough to avoid offending the Mitchell family. Her barbs directed at Brenna would have to wait for a more opportune moment.

Her gaze then settled on the grand piano. "Ah, how I adored the arts in my younger years) symphony halls, theater boxes... What a pity no one thought to arrange performances for my eightieth birthday." She sighed tically.

Fay, ever alert to social advantage, seized the chance, quickly walking over from Jayceon's side. "I will play something for you, Mrs. Russell." Amy's smile did not extend to her eyes as she assessed her. "Thank you. How thoughtful of you." Fay sat down and played the piano.

Amy listened, her eyes closed while Rosie massaged her shoulders with care.

The final chord had barely faded into silence when Tina said, "So, Brenna, you are a renowned engineer Her tone dripped with thinly veiled malice. "Tell me, amidst all that tightening of bolts and loosening of screws, did you ever manage to acquire any art? Like, perhaps, playing the piano?" Isabella eagerly joined in the taunting, saying, "Brenna doesn't know how to play the piano." Her contemptuous gaze swept over Brenna. "I really don't understand what Mr. Mitchell sees in her." 06 100.0% U +