The Phantom Heiress Rising From The Shadows

Chapter 8 Apology

Rosie couldn't help but conclude that people with no proper education really were unable to see the bigger

picture.

Yet on the surface, she wore a remorseful expression, her voice soft and pleading as she looked at Brenna. "Please don't take it to heart. I was just trying to joke with you a little. Maybe you don't know this yet, but I'm actually your parents' niece. Even though I call them Mom and Dad, I'm still just their niece. Now that you, their real daughter, is back, I can't help but worry they won't love me anymore. I swear, I meant no harm. From now on, I'll treat you like my real sister. Can you forgive me this time?"

Of course, Rosie wasn't seeking Brenna's forgiveness. Her only concern was maintaining a flawless image in Ethan's eyes-kind, graceful, and irreplaceable as his future wife.

Only now did Brenna realize that Rosie wasn't even the Harper couple's daughter. She had to admit, Rosie was good at changing her attitude. Now that Rosie had framed things this way, she knew refusing to forgive Rosie

would make her seem petty.

Brenna said, "Alright. From now on, we're sisters."

Then, she flung a glance at Sylvie and Vivian. "But these two just humiliated me. One wanted me scrubbing toilets in her home; the other wanted me on my knees polishing her shoes. What do you think about that?" she

said.

Rosie resisted the urge to lash out. Did Brenna have to drag this out? Didn't she just say she forgave her? Then why was she refusing to let the matter go? When would this end, for God's sake?

Ethan's lips pressed into a thin line, his displeasure evident. He said, "Rosie, as far as I know, Miss Higgins and Miss Morrison are your close friends. You share everything with each other, don't you?"

Seeing Rosie remain silent, Ethan continued, his tone sharp, "The Mitchell Group has business partnerships with the Higgins Group and the Morrison Group. But since the Higgins family's and the Morrison family's daughters lack character, I see no reason to continue collaborating with them."

Sylvie and Vivian stiffened, their faces draining of color. They exchanged panicked glances but couldn't openly communicate with Rosie. For now, all they could do was stare at her in shock.

Brenna leaned back slightly, watching Rosie, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

She knew exactly what was happening. Rosie, Sylvie, and Vivian were inseparable, always in sync.

The three women exchanged silent looks, and after a beat, Sylvie took the lead. She scoffed, her expression dripping with disdain.

"Miss Harper, I hate to disappoint you, but this was all our idea. Rosie had nothing to do with it. Think about Rosie was always the Harper family's little princess. But now, suddenly, you're back, taking away the affection that was hers. If you were exceptional, maybe we'd let it slide. But let's be honest-you didn't even finish grade school. You don't belong in the Harper family. So we decided to humiliate you a little, just to give you a push.

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Chapter 8 Apology

We figured you would realize on your own that you don't belong and just leave the Harper family."

Vivian folded her arms, her expression equally soug “That's right. The Harper family is full of exceptional people. Your father runs the Harper Group, your mother is a professor at Laguna Bay University, and your brothers-one is a vice president, and the other is a top-tier celebrity. Even Rosie graduated from a prestigious foreign university with a master's degree. And then there's you, a girl who never even finished grade school. Do you really think you fit in with them? You're like an outsider trying to live among elites. Completely out of place,"

Rosie watched the scene unfold with satisfaction. This was perfect. Her two friends had openly humiliated Brenna. Surely, after this, Brenna would be too ashamed to step foot into the Harper family.

And Ethan? He wouldn't look twice at a woman with no education.

Rosie felt reassured-her place was safe. Whatever obstacles stood in the way of

her marrying Ethan, Brenna certainly wasn't one of them.

Still, she had to play the part of the understanding sister now.

Rosie sighed dramatically and held up a hand. "Alright, that's enough. I know you're just trying to look out for me, but she's still my cousin-my uncle and aunt's real daughter. No matter what, she has to come back to the Harper family. After all, she carries the Harper bloodline. I'll make sure to help her improve so she can catch up with the Harper family's standards and avoid embarrassing us in high society."

She then turned to Brenna, feigning sincerity. "Don't take their words to heart, Brenna. It's all just a misunderstanding. Let's move on. I'll apologize to you on Sylvie and Vivian's behalf. They didn't mean any harm. They were just upset for my sake."

With a subtle nod, she signaled her friends.

Sylvie barely concealed her irritation as she muttered, "Miss Harper, I'm sorry." Vivian rolled her eyes. "Yeah. Sorry."

Then, with an exaggerated sigh, Vivian reached into her designer bag, pulled out a bank card, and slapped it onto the table. "Here. Let me pay for this meal as a peace offering. Just don't regret joining the Harper family

later."

Brenna's brow furrowed slightly. Regret? What was that supposed to mean? Was

it going to be that difficult living with the Harper family?

Then again, considering Rosie was already stirring up trouble for her, she believed the rest of the family might be even more difficult.

Before Brenna could respond, Rosie swiftly grabbed Vivian's bank card and tucked it back into her bag. "No, she's my family. I've already wronged her today. How could I possibly let you pay? I'll handle the bill."

The waitress arrived with the POS machine, and without hesitation, Rosie settled the bill.

"Come on, let's go home now, Brenna," she said.

Just then, the restaurant manager arrived. He was a refined-looking middle-aged man. He stepped forward and approached Ethan, saying, "Mr. Mitchell, I sincerely