Three Systems Made the Fake Heiress Unstoppable

"Have you forgotten? Chloe helped you out last time. What did your mommy say you should do for people who help you?"

Nora tilted her head and thought for a moment, then suddenly said, "Be nice to them. It’s best to buy them a gift. That’s right, Uncle! Nora wants to buy a gift, a gift for Chloe."

"Right. So, should we go buy a gift now?"

"Yay! Let’s go buy a gift!" Nora was so happy her little feet dangled and kicked.

The two of them went to the area near their meeting spot with Chloe York and started picking out a gift.

Meanwhile, at the kindergarten gate, the head teacher wore an awkward smile while Willow Kane gritted her teeth. "Adrian Kane came at 3:30?"

"Yes, as soon as it was 3:30, Nora’s uncle came and picked her up."

"Adrian Kane, you... How dare you run off with my daughter." Willow Kane thought about how she had explicitly told Adrian that she was taking Nora to her grandparents’ house today, yet he had whisked her daughter away.

Then, something felt off. ’He’s had Nora stay at his place for the past few days. He never used to like kids and wouldn’t even want to watch her. Why is he so eager now?’

"Nora’s mom, if there’s nothing else, I’ll head back in." Seeing that Willow Kane was lost in thought, the teacher was getting a bit anxious. There were still children inside to look after; she didn’t have time to just stand here.

The teacher’s voice snapped Willow Kane back to reality. She quickly said, "Teacher, thank you for your hard work. I’m sorry for the trouble."

"Not at all, it’s my job."

"Alright, I’ll be going then!" Willow Kane got back in her car. She felt something was fishy. Something wasn’t right. ’For Adrian Kane to be this proactive, he must be using my daughter for something.’

At that thought, Willow Kane started her car and headed straight for Adrian Kane’s apartment.

A little after 5:00, Chloe York received a message from Adrian Kane. The location he sent wasn’t too far from her; it was the same area where she and Stella Winters always went shopping.

She tidied up a bit and headed to the address Adrian Kane had sent.

"Chloe!" Nora spotted Chloe York and ran straight toward her excitedly.

Chloe York hadn’t expected to see Adrian Kane holding Nora’s hand by the fountain as soon as she arrived. ’They must have gotten here early!’

"Nora!" Chloe York caught Nora in a hug to keep her from tripping after running so fast.

"Chloe, I want to thank you for helping me last time, so I’m giving you a little gift today."

As she spoke, Adrian Kane handed the gift box he was holding to Nora, who then presented it to Chloe York.

Not expecting them to have prepared a thank-you gift for her, Chloe York demurred, "Oh, you don’t have to. It was just a small thing."

"No way, Chloe! If you don’t accept this gift, then this little kid right here will start to think it’s normal for people to help her. Then, the next time someone helps Nora, Nora won’t even say thank you or give them a gift. Wouldn’t that be discouraging?"

Chloe York was surprised that such a young child like Nora could speak so eloquently and logically. And what’s more, she sounded completely right.

In reality, this was all coached by Adrian Kane. Nora was already a gifted speaker, but with Adrian’s coaching, she could deliver perfectly crafted lines.

"Alright then, I’ll accept it." Chloe York took the gift box. ’Of course, I can’t possibly open it right here in front of them!’

"Well then, Adrian, I’ll take Nora to play for a bit. I’ll bring her back to meet up with you later."

Hearing this, Adrian Kane’s smile froze on his lips. ’Does she think I’m not coming with them?’

"Chloe, Uncle is coming with us!" Nora said, shaking Chloe York’s hand.

Hearing Nora’s words, Chloe York looked down. "Together?"

She had thought Adrian Kane was just dropping Nora off and would then go about his own business.

"Yeah! The three of us can play together! That way, if anyone bullies us, Uncle can protect us. Chloe, let’s all play together!" Nora wheedled, putting on her cutest face.

"Alright then!"

Chloe York agreed. Nora blinked at Adrian Kane, who secretly gave her a thumbs-up.

’This niece of mine is pretty good. She’s a perfect wingman. I haven’t been doting on her for nothing!’

In stark contrast to the harmonious scene here, Willow Kane arrived at Adrian Kane’s apartment only to find no one home. She tried calling him directly, but his phone was off.

"Adrian Kane, you little brat! Did you really sell my daughter off?!"

Willow Kane kicked the sofa in anger, then plopped down onto it. "Fine. Let’s just see when you two decide to come back."

The two adults and one child went to an amusement park, had ice cream, and even ate pizza before heading back. Adrian Kane drove Chloe York right to the entrance of her apartment building.

"Chloe, I had so much fun today!"

"I’m glad you had fun. I had a great time playing with you too, Nora." And it was the truth. It had been a long time since Chloe York had experienced anything like this, anything that felt so much like childhood.

She had almost never been to an amusement park and rarely ate ice cream. Playing with Nora today made her feel like she had returned to her own childhood.

"Then, Chloe, can I come see you often in the future?" Nora seized the opportunity to ask.

"Of course, you can."

"It’s a promise, then! Don’t get tired of me, Chloe!"

"I won’t!" Chloe York said, patting Nora’s head.

"Alright, Nora, your uncle and Chloe have something to talk about. You can get in the car first."

Nora wasn’t happy about it, but after meeting Adrian Kane’s gaze, she just pouted and got into the car.

"Nora’s a handful. I hope she didn’t wear you out today."

"Not at all, it was great."

Adrian Kane nodded. "And thank you for playing with Nora today. She’s so high-spirited that not many people are willing to play with her. She was really happy today."

Chloe York could understand what Adrian Kane meant by "high-spirited," but she thought, ’Aren’t most kids like that?’

But in the end, Chloe York didn’t say anything and just nodded.

"Well, I’ll take Nora home now."

"Okay, bye!"

"Bye!"

Adrian Kane got back in the car. The window rolled down, revealing Nora’s bright, smiling face. "Bye-bye, Chloe!"

"Bye-bye!"

The car started and drove away. Chloe York turned and went upstairs only after the taillights had disappeared from view.

"Uncle, I was so, so happy today! I want to go out and play with you and Chloe again!"

"Really?"

"Really!" As if afraid Adrian Kane wouldn’t believe her, Nora nodded emphatically.

"Alright then. In that case, you can’t tell your mom about us going out to play with Chloe today. Just say you and Uncle went to the library, okay?"

"Why can’t I tell Mom?"

"Because, if you tell your mom, she’ll find out that we met Chloe at the library because she helped you get a book you couldn’t reach!"

"Oh, right! How did Nora not think of that? Then, Uncle, you have to help Nora keep the secret too."