The True Heiress Reborn And Slays (Alicia Delaney) novel Chapter 581

13:51 Sat, Aug 8

Chapter 581 A Walk Down Memory Lane

Chapter 581 A Walk Down Memory Lane

10 Fe

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When Emily saw the entourage, she couldn’t resist a playful jab. “Well, look at you, moving with a security detail now. Talk about traveling in style.”

Riley offered a faint, resigned smile. She turned and spoke quietly to the two bodyguards. ‘Why don’t you guys find a spot farther back? Maybe over near the edge. It’s pretty crowded here, and there are lots of kids running around-don’t want to make anyone nervous.

“Yes, Mr. Torres,” they replied evenly before retreating to a discrete position where they could observe without drawing attention.

Emily looped her arm warmly through Riley’s and gestured to the man beside her. He wore gold-rimmed glasses, a crisp button-down, and tailored chinos, carrying himself with the calm, polished air of an academic.

“This is Eric Kade, my husband,” Emily said, her face bright with pride. “He’s a professor over at the university now.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Riley said, extending her hand politely.

Eric’s handshake was firm but gentle, his smile genuine. “Likewise. Emily mentions you often.”

After a brief exchange. Emily peeked curiously behind Riley. “So you came alone? I thought your husband was joining.”

“He was supposed to,” Riley explained. “But halfway here, his office called with some urgent situation. I told him to go ahead and handle it. Not sure if he’ll make it back in time.”

Emily nodded in understanding.

She’d taken the news of Riley being the long-lost heir to the Harper fortune-and now married into the notoriously private Torres family of Nexopolis-more smoothly than most.

Back when they’d shared a room at the group home, Emily had always sensed something quietly self- contained about Riley, something that set her apart.

She never scrambled for extra snacks or nicer clothes, never tried to win anyone’s favor. It was like watching a bird that didn’t quite belong in the flock, simply waiting for its moment to fly.

Looks like her instincts had been right.

Just then, Violet Atkins, the director of the children’s home, spotted Riley and made her way through the crowd, a wide smile spreading across her face.

“Riley! So glad you made it!” She took her hands warmly. “You know, you’re an inspiration to every kid here now.”

As a former resident, Riley’s current standing had become the home’s proudest success story. Violet eagerly invited her to say a few words later as a surprise guest-something to encourage the

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13:52 Sat, Aug 8

Chapter 581 A Walk Down Memory Lane

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children.

Riley didn’t object. She accepted gracefully.

Thrilled, Violet began guiding her toward the reserved VIP seats up front.

But Emily gently declined for both of them. “Violet, you should seat Riley where she’ll be most visible She’s the guest of honor today.”

Riley shook her head softly. “Really, it’s fine. Emily and I can sit anywhere. Today’s about the kids, not me.

Seeing she wouldn’t be swayed, Violet didn’t press further. After a few more pleasantries/she excused herself to attend to other guests.

Riley and Emily shared a quiet look of understanding and found two open seats near the side of the courtyard, away from the main buzz.

Emily asked Eric to save their spots, then linked arms with Riley again. “Come on, let’s take a walk.”

For today’s open house, nearly every older child had prepared something to showcase-artwork. handmade crafts, or pieces of writing they’d practiced for weeks. Displays were set up around the grounds, each with a small sign featuring the child’s photo and a short bio. Every young face held the same hopeful look, waiting to be seen.

Watching the kids weave through the crowd, glancing up at every adult with expectant eyes, Emily let out a soft sigh. “Hard to believe we were once just like them.”

She paused, studying Riley’s striking profile with a thoughtful expression. “But you were always different, even back then.”

Emily’s voice grew distant, like she was reaching far into the past. “I remember one time, the home was selecting pieces for a city-wide charity showcase. Violet knew you had beautiful penmanship and asked you to submit a handwritten piece. And what did you turn in? Something completely ordinary. He was pretty disappointed-said you hadn’t even tried.

“I always wondered about that… Most of us were desperate to be chosen, to stand out. But you almost seemed to avoid it.”

Hearing the old memory surface, Riley’s gaze settled on a young boy not far off, hunched intently over a table as he practiced his cursive. He gripped the pen so tightly his knuckles whitened, every line etched with a desperate kind of determination.

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