Filed to story: The Heiress Rises From Ashes Book PDF Free
As the event drew to a close, guests began to leave. Shepard, Giselle, and their sons stood by the doorway, saying their goodbyes.
With the hall emptying, Brenna finally seized the opportunity to relax and eat. Her hunger had reached its peak.
No sooner had she begun her meal than two figures approached. Turning, Brenna saw Sylvie and Vivian, both exquisitely dressed. Their arrival jogged her memory-she had almost forgotten they were attendees.
Rosie was also dining at the same large round table. She offered a warm smile to Brenna and said, “Brenna, Sylvie and Vivian came here specifically to offer you their apologies.”
Brenna struggled to remember any wrongdoing by them. She wasn’t one to hold grudges; she preferred to address conflicts directly.
“Why exactly are they apologizing to me?” Brenna asked, giving them only a fleeting glance before returning to her meal.
Sylvie, observing Brenna’s dismissive attitude, bristled with annoyance. Brenna’s disregard for her and her family irritated her. Even though Brenna was from the powerful Harper family, Sylvie’s family was equally influential in Shirie. She thought to herself that if Brenna continued to look down on her, she would make sure she regretted it.
Despite her irritation, Sylvie maintained a charming smile. She knew that Brenna’s rising status within the Harper family would likely eclipse Rosie’s, granting her significant influence over the Harper Group’s affairs.
She understood the dangers of crossing Brenna, whose reputation for merciless tactics could bring trouble to her family.
Sylvie said, “During the horse race event, we acted inappropriately, thinking you weren’t truly a Harper, just an opportunist. At the time, we believed our actions were justified. However, we were wrong about your status. We sincerely regret the misunderstanding and hope you can forgive us.”
Vivian, noticing Brenna’s lack of response, grew increasingly dissatisfied. With visible frustration, she added, “We’re sincerely apologizing. Why are you being so dismissive?”
Brenna continued eating gracefully. When she finished, she said, “Your apologies aren’t necessary. You’ve already faced consequences for your previous actions. If there’s nothing more, I’d appreciate it if you left. Our paths are unlikely to cross much in the future.” Her response was direct, showing little concern for their feelings.
Rosie, witnessing the exchange, disapproved of Brenna’s curt dismissal. She said, “Brenna, that’s too harsh. They’re offering a sincere apology. You should accept it gracefully. To truly be part of high society, you can’t afford to be so blunt. I think you owe them an apology now.”
Brenna’s lips twisted sardonically, her tone cutting as she replied, “Are you suggesting it’s my fault for not forgiving them?” The three shared a knowing glance, realizing Brenna’s determination was unyielding.
Sylvie, ever the diplomat, said, “Miss Harper, we truly regret our actions. This isn’t the ideal setting for apologies. How about we meet at the Imperial Bar tomorrow and talk? Does that work for you?” Brenna saw through their intentions-they were clearly setting a trap.
Brenna, no stranger to challenges and already having a business meeting with a client from Norview scheduled at that bar the next day, believed she had time to uncover their plans. “Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon,” Brenna agreed nonchalantly.
Sylvie’s smile was restrained, her eyes cold. “We’ll be waiting. Don’t be late. We promise to make it up to you,” she said.
Once Sylvie and Vivian secured Brenna’s attendance, they soon departed.
Seizing the opportunity, Alec and Ruby quickly took the seats next to Brenna, while Mack, without a chair, stood behind them.
With an overly ingratiating grin, Alec said to Brenna, “Brenna, what luck you’ve had! Leaving our esteemed Barrett family to join the prestigious Harpers. We’re all so proud of you, especially after hearing about your win at the horse race.”
Ruby added, “It’s amazing, Brenna. After all these years of raising you, I had no idea you had such talent for horseback riding. You’re incredibly skilled.”
Brenna, who had never experienced genuine kindness from them while living with the Barrett family, found their current flattery unbearable. “Cut to the chase-what do you want?” she said coldly.
Alec and Ruby scrutinized Brenna meticulously. After two decades of living with her, they were adept at reading her facial expressions.
Brenna’s current aloofness and disdain were unmistakable. Throughout her life, whether facing reprimands or corporal punishment, she had always maintained a resolute silence.
To the couple, Brenna’s cold demeanor was familiar, hardly warranting a second thought. Yet at the dinner table with the Harpers, they felt sidelined as the family engaged mostly among themselves or with their meals, paying them little attention.
They were the ones who had played significant roles in Brenna’s upbringing, yet they received a cold reception.
Throughout the banquet, the Barrett family trio stayed close to the Harpers. Whenever the Harpers introduced Brenna to other wealthy families, Alec and Ruby eagerly greeted them, introducing themselves, but the wealthy guests treated them with cold indifference.
It felt as though they were being looked down upon.
It was downright disrespectful!
Did the Harpers not appreciate them for raising their daughter?
The Barrett family’s patience dwindled, their smiles hardening. Inwardly, they condemned the Harper family, wishing they could reveal everyone’s ingratitude.
“Brenna,” Ruby said once more, her smile gone, patience at its end. Yet Brenna still dismissed her with a cold expression.
Ruby’s anger surged. “Brenna!”
She nudged her, irritation evident. “Are you even listening? How can you be so indifferent? We raised you! Without us, you wouldn’t have made it this far. How can you treat us like this?”
Alec’s patience evaporated as well. He fully supported Ruby’s outburst. In his view, not only was Brenna’s behavior reprehensible, but the Harpers’ arrogant display of wealth and condescending attitude toward his family compounded the insult.
Mack, who had quietly stood behind them, finally voiced his frustration. “Brenna, we’ve come to you for help. Just because the Barrett-
“Just because the Barrett family doesn’t match the Harpers in power doesn’t mean you can ignore us. You are being so ungrateful!” Mack said.
“You’re calling me ungrateful?” Brenna responded coldly, confronting him directly. “Why do you think that? You better explain yourself clearly.”
Overcome with exasperation, Mack grabbed a chair and sat down to talk to her.
“Remember, it was our Barrett family who raised you. We provided everything-your meals, your clothes… Now that you’re in a better situation, you owe us for raising you. Your indifference is offensive. It’s time for you to repay us,” Mack said.
Hearing Mack’s bold assertion, which conveniently ignored the hardships Brenna had endured under their care, the Harper family members set aside their utensils and fixed the Barretts with hostile looks.
The intensity of their stares caused Alec and Ruby to shift uncomfortably, with Ruby instinctively hiding behind Alec.
Brenna’s disdain was evident as she retorted, “You have the audacity to say something like that? Consider the life I endured. Despite my talent in design, you forced me to abandon my studies to contribute financially to the family. I was just a child, yet I had to be a servant in your home-did my feelings ever matter to you?”
Her tone grew sharper, her gaze colder. “When I didn’t do things well, you beat me, scolded me, denied me food, and locked me in a dark room. Do you know how I survived that?” she said.