Chapter 6 Meeting Queenie

• Nicole hurriedly withdrew her gaze, then walked up to Colton before handing his wallet to him. "Here's your wallet, Mr. Gardner; please check and see if there's anything missing from it. If there isn't any, I'll be leaving first," she said, all in one breath.
• However, just as she was about to leave, Queenie called out to her, asking, "Why are you here, sis?" Isn't Nicole supposed to have disappeared completely? Why is she here all of a sudden, showing up before Colton with his wallet in her hand no less?! A vicious gleam flickered in her eyes. She happened to be looking for an outlet to vent her spleen after having been reprimanded by Colton just now, and here Nicole was, coming right to her!
• Nicole froze at Queenie's words. Not wanting to have anything to do with the Andersons, she wore a distant smile, saying, "Sorry, but you took me for the wrong person."
• Just when she was about to leave, Queenie shouted loudly from behind, "It's been five years since you left, sis. Dad misses you a lot. Can you please come home when you're free?"
• As soon as Queenie said that, a buzz of gossip immediately broke out from the crowd.
• "So this is the Anderson Family's illegitimate daughter?"
• "I heard that she shamelessly slept with a guy for peanuts several years ago…"
• "Tsk, tsk… Keep your voice down! The other Anderson is still here."
• Upon hearing their words, Queenie was inwardly delighted. After all, she was the one who spread all these rumors around. The former eldest daughter of the Anderson Family is now a prostitute spurned by everyone! That's exactly what I want. I want Nicole to be utterly discredited and living like a stray dog. Only then will I be happy!
• On the other hand, Nicole trembled with rage upon hearing the crowd's remarks. Illegitimate daughter? How am I an illegitimate daughter? My mom was William Anderson's first wife! Seems like they've spread a lot of false rumors about me over the past few years.
• Nicole could put up with anything, but not insults directed at her mother. Her eyes slightly darkened, she turned around and uttered, stressing each word, "Is that so? I've been busy over the past few years, and besides, I thought the Anderson Family had forgotten about me long ago, seeing you guys never looked for me, nor did you ever call me."
• At this moment, her bright, clear eyes narrowed slightly with a chilly gleam. Staring at those who had been whispering about her just now, she stressed in a loud voice, "My mother was William Anderson's first wife, and I was already eight years old when they divorced. On the other hand, this younger sister of mine is only a few months younger than me. Anyone with a brain should be able to tell who's the illegitimate daughter here."
• When Queenie saw how Nicole held her head high, a layer of mist instantly came over her eyes, as though the latter was bullying her. "Sis." Her voice started to take on a sobbing note. "I wasn't trying to imply anything. I was just asking you to come home for a visit."
• Nicole's lips curled into a sneer. "I wasn't implying anything either. I was just explaining the Anderson Family's situation to those who are unaware of the truth lest they be brainwashed by some false rumors."
• As soon as Nicole finished her sentence, she sensed a meaningful gaze upon her; she followed the gaze to find that it was from Colton. This guy had never said a word from start to finish. His eyes were dark and fathomless, and the corner of his mouth was lifted in the barest hint of a smile. Obviously, he looked like he was gloating over what was happening.
• Nicole wasn't interested in making a spectacle of herself, though, so she turned around and left quickly.
• It wasn't until she closed the door to cut herself off from the world inside that she realized her heart was beating fast. as though it were going to jump out of her chest. However, it wasn't because she was afraid of Queenie; it was only because she was suppressing her rage. It was all because of this woman that my mom died! I'll never let Queenie off—as well as everyone in the Anderson Family! Clenching her fists, she stood in place to regain her composure until her face returned to being expressionless as usual.
• By the time Nicole returned home, Hayden was already asleep. When she saw the little figure curled up in bed, her heart calmed all at once; she stepped forward and kissed her son's sleeping face as a smile of gratification lifted the corners of her mouth. Luckily, I'm no longer alone now. I still have Hayden, my little darling…