Brenna studied the photo, her eyes landing on a young man with brown hair and two earrings in each ear. His face bore a striking resemblance to a famous celebrity, though she couldn’t quite recall the name.
Shepard continued, “Your second brother, Dalton Harper, works in the entertainment industry. His schedule is even tighter, so he won’t be back for a few days. But he already told me he would bring a gift for you when he returns.”
Shepard then pointed to another young man in the photo. Unlike Ernst, this one had a neat haircut and looked more serious. He appeared to be about eighteen years old.
After a pause, Shepard added, “This is your cousin, Lennon Harper, your uncle Ableson’s son. He’s studying abroad but should be back soon. Beside him is his sister, your cousin Audrey Harper, also studying overseas and set to graduate soon.”
Brenna nodded, understanding that young people with busy careers couldn’t always rush home. She didn’t take it personally. After all, she had her own commitments-tomorrow, she had to visit Vincent Mitchell, Ethan’s grandfather, to assess his health.
Seated beside Brenna, Giselle held her hand, her touch warm and reassuring. “They’ll all return eventually, and you’ll get to know them in time. I haven’t been there for you all these years, so I don’t even know what you like to eat. That’s why I had the chef prepare a little of everything tonight. I heard you rarely got proper meals at the Barretts. How could they treat my daughter that way? Don’t worry; your father and brothers will make them pay for what they did to you.”
She gently stroked Brenna’s hair, her expression full of guilt. “You’ve suffered too much. From now on, whatever you need, just say the word. I’ve already arranged for a new batch of clothes to be delivered to you tomorrow.”
“Thank you.” Brenna appreciated the gesture, though she still wasn’t used to such closeness. She kept her response polite, offering a small smile.
As dish after dish was brought to the table-an extravagant spread-Brenna felt, for the first time, the warmth of a family that genuinely cared about her.
Meanwhile, on the third floor, Rosie sat cross-legged on her bed, video-chatting with Sylvie and Vivian. She vented her frustration to her two closest friends, deliberately skipping dinner so the Harper family would notice her absence. She wanted them to know she was upset. She wouldn’t come down to eat unless someone personally invited her.
Sylvie, always scheming, suddenly perked up. “Brenna probably doesn’t know how to ride a horse, right? There’s an equestrian competition on the 15th. My dad got us some invitations. Why don’t you invite her there and see how she embarrasses herself?”
Vivian immediately jumped on the idea. “That’s perfect! We can all go together. Let Brenna see how different we are from her. She won’t fit in.” For the first time that evening, Rosie smiled.
Just then, a knock sounded at the door, and Rachael entered, pushing a small dining cart. “Hungry? Dinner has already started downstairs. I noticed you hadn’t gone down, so I brought some food here for you.”
Rosie’s smile turned sugary sweet. “You’re the best, Rachael. By the way, what are they talking about downstairs?”
Rachael set the plates down and began arranging them on the table. “Your father is introducing the family members to Miss Brenna Harper.”
Rosie’s expression shifted as an idea took shape in her mind. “Neither Ernst nor Dalton is home yet, right?”
Rachael, busy straightening the silverware, nodded. “Mr. Ernst Harper is handling company affairs, and Mr. Dalton Harper is tied up with work. Miss Brenna Harper is here to stay, so there’s no urgency for them to come back today to see her.”
Rosie smirked. “Alright, you can go now.”
Ernst and Dalton hadn’t met Brenna yet. That meant she had time to get to them first-to plant seeds of doubt, to turn them against Brenna before they could form their own opinions. Lennon and Audrey needed to be warned as well-especially…
Audrey was the one originally considered for the Mitchell family’s marriage arrangement. As Ableson’s daughter, Audrey had always been the most suitable choice. After all, Ableson had suffered severe injuries in the military while saving Ethan’s father.
Out of gratitude, the Mitchell family had promised that one of their sons would marry a Harper daughter, though they never specified which one. For years, the younger generations of both families dismissed the arrangement as insignificant.
But then Ethan became the world’s richest man. His influence soared far beyond the Harper family’s reach. Suddenly, that long-forgotten agreement no longer seemed outdated. The Harper family had started taking it seriously.
Audrey, being Ableson’s daughter, was the most fitting candidate.
Now Rosie wondered how Audrey would react when she found out that Ethan had publicly defended Brenna at Flavor Restaurant.
With that in mind, Rosie grabbed her phone and began crafting a carefully worded introduction of Brenna in the Harper family’s private group chat for the younger members. To further drive her point home, she quietly slipped downstairs unnoticed and captured a candid shot of the elders showering Brenna with affection at the dinner table-making it clear just how welcomed and cherished Brenna was.
By seven in the morning, Brenna had already freshened up and was making her way downstairs.
As she entered the dining room, her gaze landed on a man seated at the table. He appeared to be in his early thirties, with neatly trimmed jet-black hair that added a polished yet stylish touch to his sharp features. Dressed in a simple black shirt, he exuded quiet authority. His lips pressed into a firm line as he cast a disinterested glance in Brenna’s direction before refocusing on his breakfast, making it clear he had no interest in talking to her.
Brenna immediately assumed this must be her eldest brother, Ernst. But judging by his cold demeanor, he wasn’t eager to acknowledge her. Without pushing for interaction, she simply offered him a polite smile before heading straight to the kitchen.
Inside, Julia and two other maids were busy preparing the morning meal. Brenna scanned the selection before picking out a few items for herself.
As Brenna finished eating, her phone rang. She answered to hear Christopher Pierce’s voice. “Brenna, I’m at your gate.”
“Okay, I’ll be right out,” Brenna replied, quickly swallowing the last bite of her food. Without lingering, she grabbed her phone and strode toward the door.
Just as she was about to step outside, Giselle descended the stairs. Seeing Brenna hurrying out, she asked, “Where are you off to this early?”
Brenna paused briefly before replying, “I have an appointment to meet someone today.”
Giselle took note of Brenna’s outfit-an elegant deep blue ensemble, consisting of a sleeveless chiffon blouse and wide-legged trousers, paired with sleek black leather shoes. Her hair was swept into a neat bun, giving her an air of effortless sophistication.
“Aren’t we supposed to pick some clothes together? I arranged for them to be delivered soon,” Giselle said.
Brenna offered a polite smile. “You can handle it. I will need outfits for different occasions. I have something important to take care of now.”
Giselle gave a small nod, choosing not to press Brenna for details about her plans or the person she was meeting. Since Brenna had only recently come back, it seemed wiser to give her space rather than overstep.
“Do you need the driver to take you?” Giselle asked.
“My friend’s already here to pick me up.” With that, Brenna gave a light wave and stepped outside. Coincidentally, Ernst had just finished his breakfast and followed her out after rinsing his mouth.
At the entrance, a black MPV was parked, with Christopher leaning casually against the vehicle. Upon spotting Brenna, he promptly opened the passenger door for her.
Ernst, now standing nearby, immediately recognized Christopher. “Dr. Pierce? Who are you here for?” he asked.
Christopher, dressed casually and appearing to be around the same age as Ernst, straightened slightly and greeted him warmly. “Good morning, Mr. Harper. I’m here to pick up a friend.”
Ernst’s eyes flicked between Christopher and Brenna, his curiosity piqued as he tried to decipher their relationship.
“Let’s go, Christopher,” Brenna said as she slid into the passenger seat. Noticing Ernst’s curious gaze, Christopher briefly explained, “Brenna and I studied together before.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.