The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 666

What… what on earth was happening?

All of her things were gone.

Leda’s mind raced. A sudden thought struck her, draining the color from her face—but she quickly forced herself to calm down, smoothing her expression until it was perfectly composed.

Of course. That’s right. Her adoptive parents, the Marshalls, had always doted on her, eager to please her, desperate for her approval. Even if Hilda had told them what happened today, they’d never believe it. They loved her too much.

That explained it—why her bedroom had been emptied out.

They must be planning to redecorate, to surprise her with something special. Yes, that had to be it.

With this comforting thought, Leda waited, pacing and glancing at the clock until six—then seven—when finally, Mr. and Mrs. Marshall came home.

The moment she saw them, Leda rushed over, flinging herself into their arms.

“Mom, Dad, you’re finally home! I missed you so much,” she whimpered, clinging to them, her voice trembling as she tried to sound as pitiful as possible.

In the past, her little acts of affection would have melted the Marshalls’ hearts, making them eager to give her the very best the world had to offer.

But tonight, no matter how much Leda poured on the charm, neither Mr. nor Mrs. Marshall said a word.

A wave of panic crashed over her. She tightened her grip on them, as if afraid they might slip away.

But the next instant, both Marshalls harshly pried her hands away and shoved her aside.

Leda’s face went pale. She looked up at them, her voice barely more than a whisper. “Did I do something wrong? Why are you treating me like this all of a sudden?” Her words were laced with hurt.

Once, the Marshalls would have been moved by her tears. Now, Mrs. Marshall looked at her with nothing but disgust.

Suppressing the urge to retch, Mrs. Marshall slapped Leda hard across the face. Her voice was cold as ice. “You’re worse than a stray off the street. All these years, our love was wasted on a thankless wretch.”