The Phantom Heiress Rising From The Shadows novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19 The Marriage Arrangement

Rosie didn’t come down for dinner, which meant no one was around to make things difficult for Brenna. With no tension in the air, Brenna enjoyed a relaxed meal, exchanging easy conversation with other Harper family

members.

The dining table was long and spacious, designed to accommodate the entire family comfortably.

Shepard took the opportunity to formally introduce the family members to Brenna. To help her know them better, he even brought out a framed family portrait.

He said, “Your eldest brother, Ernst Harper, is the vice president of the Harper Group. He handles most of the major decisions, so he’s constantly tied up with work. He owns multiple properties across Shirie, but he usually stays at the one closest to the company. Because of that, he doesn’t come home often. But I already told him you’ve returned today, so he’ll be back later.”

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 remember the celebrity’s

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 at another young man in the photo. Unlike Ernst, this one had a neat haircut and looked more serious. He looked 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. And beside him is his sister, your cousin Audrey Harper, also studying overseas, though she’s 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 as well–tomorrow, she had to visit Vincent Mitchell, Ethan’s grandfather, and examine his health condition

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.”

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Chapter 19 The Marriage Arrangement

“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 that the Harper family would take note of her absence. She wanted them to know that she was upset. She wouldn’t go down to have dinner unless someone came to invite 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. She 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, not specifying whom exactly.

However, for years, the younger generations of both families had dismissed the arrangement as something insignificant.

But then, Ethan became the world’s richest man. His influence soared beyond even the Harper family’s reach. And suddenly, that long–forgotten agreement didn’t seem so outdated anymore. The Harper family had begun